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| New wave-energy generator arrives in Galway  The power of the Atlantic is about to be harnessed in a Marine Institute/Sustainable Energy Ireland initiative to open a wave energy test site a mile and a half off the coast of Spiddal, Co. Galway. The 37-hectare site will be open to entrepreneurs and engineers to test prototype ocean energy generators. The first wave energy generator, Wavebob, has arrived at Galway Docks and will be deployed on the Spiddal site. Wavebob has already gone through a rigorous path of theoretical modelling followed by small-scale prototype testing in wave tanks.Some of this testing has been performed at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre, UCC. This method of steady development is essential in order to confirm the potential of the device while minimising the risks and costs associated with the development process. The next critical step in the development process is to test the device in the sea. Wavebob have chosen to test a quarter scale prototype, which it is anticipated will provide the most accurate evidence to date for the cost and performance potential for the device. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Construction News :: home page |