The Waveline Magnet Wave Energy Device consists of multiple floating platforms connected to form a long segment, capable of moving flexibly with the waves.
Testing the wave energy device at sea in November 2021. (Video: SWEL)
Sea Wave Energy Limited (SWEL), a company based in Cyprus, has been researching wave energy harvesting technology for over a decade. The company recently unveiled a prototype of the wave energy device named Waveline Magnet, which features interconnected floating platforms resembling a spine, as reported by Interesting Engineering on August 17.
The Waveline Magnet is designed as a flexible module that operates continuously with wave movements. This design allows the device to effectively control the amount of energy harvested from the waves in a consistent and uninterrupted manner.
Constructed from plastic and reinforced materials, the Waveline Magnet does not require specialized manufacturing processes, thereby reducing production costs. The device can be produced and deployed quickly, and maintenance and repair costs are also low. Under suitable conditions, a wave energy converter can generate up to 100 MW of electricity, according to SWEL. The low production cost of energy enables it to compete with fossil fuels.
Waveline Magnet wave energy device.
The Waveline Magnet prototype has been tested in controlled environments. Last year, SWEL deployed the device in Larnaca Bay, Cyprus, for testing in open waters. However, further validation and improvements are still needed.
Regarding its durability at sea, SWEL believes that the flexible movement capability akin to a spine will allow the Waveline Magnet to move with the waves rather than against them, thus enhancing its lifespan. Additionally, the device can be made from recycled materials, making it less of an environmental burden compared to solar panels or wind turbines.
