CONTROL TECHNIQUES INVERTERS CHOSEN FOR AQUAMARINE POWER'S FLAGSHIP TECHNOLOGY - THE OYSTER MARINE ENERGY GENERATOR

The world's largest and most successful working hydro-electric wave energy device, known as 'Oyster', has, at its heart, a 315kW high-efficiency grid connected inverter system from Control Techniques.

Aquamarine Power's Oyster marine energy generator, sits just off shore, in Orkney, and comprises a large buoyant steel flap hinged to a base that sits on the sea bed.  As waves roll over the device, the flap oscillates backwards and forwards, driving two hydraulic pistons attached to each side.  High pressure water from these two pumping cylinders - clean, salt-free water in an enclosed system - is pumped ashore, driving a Pelton wheel with spoon-shaped buckets that harness the energy of the high pressure water.  This is attached to a flywheel (to smooth out variations), powering a standard induction generator. Control Techniques inverters take the generated power and provide an interface with the grid.