The project aims to demonstrate cost-effective performance of an array of CCell paddles. This will be achieved through optimisation of the shape of the curved paddle and Power Take Off (PTO) for a wide range of sea conditions. Intelligent proactive control algorithms will be developed to maximise power capture in the highly variable conditions that operating devices will experience. Numerical tools developed and validated as part of the preceeding project will be extended to study interactions between arrays of CCell paddles. Co-operative PTO control strategies will be developed to optimise array performance, matching demanded power with generated power and balancing against device loading and degradation. Prototype systems will be constructed and tested both in laboratory conditions and at sea to validate concepts. Successful completion of the project will bring CCell and associated technology to the pre-commercial stage. Economic viability will be established and the barriers preventing the uptake of competitor technology will be removed.

Zyba has invented a new wave energy paddle (“CCell”) that extracts energy from ocean waves. The innovative curved compound shape of CCell makes for a strong yet light structure, with superb wave energy absorption properties. In laboratory tests it extracts significantly more energy than comparable alternatives. This project will develop numerical tools to improve our understanding of the interactions between the ocean waves and paddle structure through a detailed program of numerical and laboratory studies. These tools will be used to optimise the device for a range of conditions, culminating in the design of an integrated system for desalinating sea water using reverse osmosis (“RO”). A shortage of fresh water is a global problem, with a growing market for RO equipment on arid island communities. The project includes three UK SMEs and two universities, with results to be disseminated in academic papers and conferences. If successful it will lead to sea trials.