SEAEN wave energy system
SEA ENergy
Generating electricity from sea wave energy
As part of the project, we will develop an innovative device named SEAEN ('SEA ENergy') for both off-grid and grid-connected electricity generation from wave energy. A photovoltaic module will also be installed on top of the device, enabling it to harness additional renewable solar energy. Our solution will attract a new category of small-scale users who will be able to adopt this new wave-powered electricity generation technology easily and enter the market as electricity producers.
PROGRAMME PERIOD: 11/2023 – 10/2025
TOTAL BUDGET: €571,509.00
EU FUNDING: €299,954.67
PROJECT LEAD: ETRA d.o.o.
PARTNER: Primum d.o.o.
Funding for the investment is provided by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, NextGenerationEU.
The main project objective is to develop a SEAEN product with the following features:
- We will develop a buoy-type SEAEN device containing a generator assembly driven by the oscillation and rotation of an eccentrically mounted mass. Each generator assembly will have a maximum output of 900 W, with modular power scaling up to 2.7 kW. The control system will use an innovative algorithm developed with the assistance of machine learning.
- We will develop to TRL 9 a globally innovative solution for moving the eccentric rotating mass towards or away from the axis of rotation in response to rotational frequency. At low centrifugal force, the spring-mounted weight/eccentric mass moves towards the centre and increases kinetic energy; at high centrifugal force it moves away from the axis and increases potential energy. This will provide a significant mechanical extension of the operating range. The solution is protected by Primum d.o.o. patents P-201900226 and P-202100114.
- We will develop advanced buoy hydrodynamic geometry that allows lively movement over a wide range of induced oscillations. This is a demanding challenge because conventional hydrodynamic design for bodies in water aims for the opposite effect: maximum stability. A patent application will be filed in this area.
- Grid-connected (on-grid) operating mode
- Off-grid operating mode
- Photovoltaic module enabling solar energy to provide an additional renewable energy source
