AquaBuOY scale 1:10

Test in Nissum Bredning

Project no: 2006-1-6435

Confidential

Rambll Danmark A/S

Bredevej 2
2830 Virum
(cvr.nr. 35128417)

Energinet.dk
Fjordvejen 1-11
7000 Fredericia
(cvr. nr. 28980671)

November 2007

Content:
Introduction:.................................................................................................................................... 2
History of the project...................................................................................................................... 2
Scope and Objectives..................................................................................................................... 4
Conclusions .................................................................................................................................... 4

Choice of Scale and test site ........................................................................................................4

Choice of model Fabrication and Material ..................................................................................5
Choice of end-stop solution the by-pass section..........................................................................6
Choice of Instrumentation of the 1:10 scale model .....................................................................7
Methodology used installing of the scale model in Nissum Bredning ...................................... 8
Results and conclusion................................................................................................................ 10
Parallel research projects ............................................................................................................ 11

Testing of the Hose-pump..........................................................................................................11

1:50 Scale Experiment HMRC Cork .........................................................................................12
Prototype testing Oregon USA ..................................................................................................13

Introduction:
This R&D project involves building a 1:10 scale model of an AquaBuOY wave energy converter and followed
by open sea testing at the test site in Nisum Bredning on 6.5 meter deep water.
The experiment has been designed to demonstrate the function and power generation of the AquaBuOY and
thus validate the numerical model. In addition the tests provides AquaEnergy and Ramboll with valuable
practical experience prior to larger scale testing.
The full scale AquaBuOY has a diameter of 7 meter and is projected to generate about 250 kW in sea states
of Hs = 5m installed on a water depth of approximately 60 meter. Further optimization is anticipated in later
and parallel stages of the product development program.

History of the project

During the Swedish wave energy programme in the early 1980th the company Technocean was created to
develop wave energy in Sweden. Driving forces behind Technocean was a multidisciplinary team of
researchers from Chalmers University such as professor Lasse Bergdahl, Jan Forsberg og Bengt-Olaf
Sjstrm og Lennart Claeson and others [1].
During the years 1979 to 1981 the Swedish company Interproject Service IPS in cooperation with
Technocean developed and tested a wave power converter the IPS Buoy outside Gtenborg in the open
sea. The IPS converter is described in [2] and some of the results in [3].
The research within Technocean lead to another concept called the Hose pump project developed in
cooperation with the large Swedish company Svenske Varv. The Hose pump project consisting of four floats
was also tested outside Gtenborg pumping high pressure water to a small pelton turbine placed on shore.
The Swedish wave energy programme ended around 1986 and cooperation between IPS and Technocean
continued and Gunner Fredrikson CEO of IPS maintained patents. In co-operation with Bengt Olaf they
patented in 1999 the incorporation of hose-pumps in the IPS buoy the AquaBuOY.

Ocean Tested IPS Buoy

Ocean Tested Hose Pump

AquaEnergy's AquaBuOY

During the period 1992 1996 I was co-ordinator of the EU project OWEC-1, where both IPS and
Technocean was included as project partners along with most of the leading European wave energy experts.
During this project I developed in co-operation with ES-Consult numerical models for the two Swedish wave
energy projects the IPS and the Hose-pump project, which had many similar features to the point absorbers
system developed by Danish Wave Power.
Gunnar Fredriksons two sons Gran and Hans live in USA. Hanss introduced his colleague Alla Weinstein
to his father to realise the wave energy project in USA. Alla Weinstein got via Gunnar Fredriksen contact with
Bengt-Olaf and started the company AquaEnergy in USA to develop the project together with her brother
Yuiri.
In 2001 Bengt Olaf Sjstrm og Yuiry died in a plane crash, as their little airplane crashed while surveying
the ocean area of Makaha Bay in the north westerly corner of USA, where they planned to build a wave
energy plant.
In addition to the tragic personal losses also the project expertise was lost. Only the remains of the laptop
from Bengt Olaf was found washed up on the beach some months later.
Gunnar Fredriksen from IPS recommended Alla Weinstein to initiate a co-operation between AquaEnergy
and Ramboll with the aim to reconstruct the numerical model of the AquaBuOY and further development.
This cooperation and development started in 2002 and filled in a void for Ramboll regarding wave energy as
the Danish wave energy programme just had terminated due to change of government in 2001.
The development has in the five-year period since 2002 evolved through different stages with private as well
as public financial support.

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AquaEnergy
Ramboll
Aalborg University
Dunlop
Black&Veatch
EFP, DK
Carbontrust
SEI
UCC
Energinet DK
Finevera Renewables

As a result of AquaEnergys search for private investment Finavera Renewables bought AquaEnergy in
2006. Finavera thereby introduced the economical recourses necessary to build the first large prototype of
the AquaBuOY that was deployed in Oregon USA September 2007.

Kim Nielsen, November 2007

Scope and Objectives

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To build a sufficiently large physical model of the AquaBuOY (scale 1:10) suitable to validate and
investigate the interaction of the device components.

To obtain preliminary experience with the principles of operating the model in a sea environment,
regarding installation, mooring, survivability and maintenance.

To provide a comparison between the measured and the calculated (projected) performance
parameters for selected sea states conditions.

Assess viability of the use of the drag reduction components such as placement of a bulb below the
acceleration tube to reduce the fluid friction.

Conclusions
The scale 1:10 project has provided valuable learning experience and sufficient confidence in the
construction and operating principles of the AquaBuOY to support the design and deployment of a half scale
prototype of the AquaBuoy.
Incorporating the experience from the scale 1:10 project the company Finevera Renewables have
constructed and successfully deployed a prototype of the AquaBuOY of the coast in Oregon USA.
The development of the AquaBuOY is a multinational co-operation and valuable interaction has taken place
between parallel research projects and the 1:10 scale design process.

Choice of Scale and test site

During the Marine Energy Challenge development programme in the UK AquaBuOY was one among
several wave energy converters offered the possibility of UK engineering expertise in assessment of design
and to further optimize the performance. Based on the calculated power production in the Orkney wave
climate 28kW/m the study showed the optimal dimensions for the AquaBuOY at this site dimensions are as
follows:
Float diameter:
Float draught:
Tube lenght:
Tube diameter:
Rated Absorbed Power:

7 meter
4,8 meter
30 meter
4,65 meter
273 kW (in wave conditions Hs = 5m & Tz = 7,5 sec)

A 1:10 scale model means that a converter of identical geometry, but 10 times smaller in all linear
0,5
dimensions can be tested in waves also ten times smaller in height and 10 = 3,2 times smaller in wave
periods.
The power delivered from the scale model in the scaled rated conditions will be 103,5 times smaller compared
to full scale.
Thus results from a model can be scaled up using Froudes model law and thus results from a small
experiment can be used to predict the performance of a larger geometrical identical system in scaled up sea
conditions.
The testing in Nissum Bredning was selected as this site previously had been used for scale testing of
systems like the Wave Dragon, Wavestar and the other systems. The test site Nissum Bredning with

significant wave heights up to about 1 meter compares well to a scale test of 1:10 and this ratio was chosen
for the test.
Physical dimensions:
Parameter

Model

Float diameter
Float height
Displaced volume
Accelerator tube diameter
Accelerator tube length
Rated absorbed Power
Significant wave height (at rated power)
Average wave period (at rated power)

0,7 meter
0,48 meter
185 litre
0,46 meter
3 meter
86 watt
0,5 meter
2,3 seconds

Scale factor
10
10
10
103
10
10
103,5
10
100,5

Full scale
7
4,8
185 m3
4,65 meter
30 meter
273 kW
5 meter
7,5 seconds

Choice of model Fabrication and Material

The scale model is constructed in PVC and build by Brnnum Plast using as far as possible standard tube
dimensions as shown on the photo below. The lower bulb on the tube was designed to reduce the drag
resistance of the heave motion.

The PVC model of the AquaBuOY in scale 1:10,

Left: the float and the by-pass section,
Right: the lower part of the acceleration tube with the bulb below.

Choice of end-stop solution the by-pass section

The bypass mechanism was invented by IPS to avoid overload on the linear power take-off in case the
center piston moved outside its working area. The by-pass solution consisted of a working area for the piston
with a slightly smaller diameter compared to the tube diameter. In case the piston moved out the working
area water could flow pass the piston and reduce the end-stop loads. The construction parts are shown in
the photo below and the assembled section below. The piston is attached to a central guide-rod. This design
turned out to take up quite a lot of length in the tube and a different was developed for the half scale
prototype.

The piston (black) in its working area just beneath the by pass area.

Choice of Instrumentation of the 1:10 scale model

Following the 1:50 scale experiments in Cork, Ireland, in the spring 2007 (page 12) it was decided to
incorporate a similar mechanical power take-off on the 1:10 scale model as shown oh the picture below.
AquaEnergy/Finavera subcontracted the instrumentation and testing of the model to Aalborg University and
a separate report describing the instrumentation is enclosed [4].

The power take of based on mechanical components is shown on

the photo to the left. The PTO could be mounted on top of the float.
At the top is a friction element that combined with the springs
provides the damping characteristics close to that of the hosepumps.
Measurements of the piston displacement relative to the float, the
load on the rod and the motion of the float.

The instrumentation includes

Load cell
Position sensor
Tri-axial accelerometer

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Based on the force measured and the relative velocity of the piston
(derived from the relative position measurements) the average
power absorbed over a period of time can be calculated as:
T

Pmech =
F(t)
vr(t)
T

1
F (t )v r (t )dt
T 0

Force in rod connection

Relative velocity between piston and float
Measurement period

The measurements are stored in a data handler box on the float

powered by batteries placed in a separate container next to the
float.

Methodology used installing of the scale model in Nissum

Bredning
The system was tested in Nissum Bredning (Denmark) and a small team from Aalborg University installed
the scale model July 22 2007, from Oddesund in the early morning in very calm water. The installation was
done within 3 hours.

Transportation at sea

Float moored between three mooring buoys.

In the days to come the forecast was rough windy weather with wind directions from west and south west.
The predicted waves at the site based on measured wind data is shown in the report from Aalborg University
and within the next few days wave conditions in terms of significant wave height was increasing up to 0,7
meter (highest waves about 1,4 meter).

The following week on July 28 the Aalborg team observed the model in wave conditions calculated to Hs =
0,7 meter with average wave periods of about 3 seconds. The team estimated that the model had problems
as it was observed to be leaning to one side as shown on the photo below.

Observation of the float July 28 2007

The following inspection on July 30 verified the suspicion as the model was stranded on the beach.

Float ashore on July 30 2007

It appeared that a structural failure in the upper flange connecting the float to the tube had taken place. The
float had tilted to a horizontal position. The connecting fins had cut the mooring lines and the float stranded
on the beach. Weeks later the lower part of the tube was also recovered and removed from the beach.

Results and conclusion

The 1:10 scale project has made it possible to investigate different design solutions with respect to
incorporation of power take off system and testing equipment in small scale as well as the design of the end
stop by-pass solution for the piston.
The practical experience showed that even in the relative small scale the model needed to be handled with
great care to avoid damage. The PVC material is fragile and sensitive to impact loads and the bolting flanges
between the sections in the acceleration tube appeared to be relatively weak compared to the overall
strength of the model when placed horizontal for transportation.
The placement of ballast in order to obtain the correct metacenter height also showed some difficulty due to
the light weight of the PVC structure. It was finally decided to place the sand ballast in the hull (about 80 kg)
to obtain the correct water line. Even though the model was operating vertical in heave when installed the
initial tilting of the model showed that the sand could move resulting in a sloped angel of the centerline.
The installation was very easy and could be carried out within a few hours in calm weather.
Following the installation the weather changed and for 2 weeks the waves made it impossible with the
available transportation means to access the devise. Observations made by AAU after one week showed
that the model was not floating vertical but leaning to one side. After two weeks the lower part of the
acceleration tube had broken off the mooring lines had been cut and the model could be picked up on the
beach.
The data handler box with stored measurements appeared empty and data from the experiment could not be
retrieved.
Concluding and looking back on the experience of this exercise it appears that a number of further initial
tasks could have been incorporated to ensure a better performance.
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In the case of this system initial tests of the structure could probably have revealed if the bolting
sections needed further reinforcement or pretension by wires.

Dry test of measuring equipment and data collection system combined with a setup to activate the
Power take off on land could probably have provided a better understanding of why no data was
obtained.

The main practical experience from the 1:10 scale model tests however has given sufficient confidence in
the operation of the device and the experience and knowledge gained has supported the development of the
AquaBuOY i.e. shown areas where a redesign was needed, such as a redesign of the bypass system to
allow better support for the piston and at the same time provide sufficient length to incorporate the hoses
within the length of the acceleration tube.

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Parallel research projects

Testing of the Hose-pump
Dynamic testing of the hose-pump was realized at a test rig build at AEAT in the UK, with the support from
the UK Carbon trust and Dunlop as lead partner. Three different hose constructions were tested. The results
demonstrated an efficiency of around 75% in converting mechanical power into hydraulic power. The tests
also showed that fatigue was a problem that needed further research in order to construct hoses with
sufficient long operating life. The test showed that the construction induced rotation that after a few months
caused failure of the hose at its termination. A principle to reduce the rotation by adjusting the applied angles
of reinforcement in different layers of the hose was proposed and incorporated in the design.

Hose being tested at the test rig

The theory for the pump regarding flow and pressure for different strokes and periods was verified. And
fatigue tests followed.

Dynamic test rig for testing the hose pump AEAT

Initially for the 1:10 project the PTO was proposed to be composed of similar rubber hoses produced by
Festo Practical considerations and detailed design regarding these small hoses however revealed that even
if they in theory could provide the required damping, incorporating two opposing sets within the length of the
acceleration tube was not possible. Further the flow resistance through the standard fittings would generate
excessive flow losses and make the power measurements difficult without additional measurement
equipment. Sea testing of hoses was therefore postponed to larger scale testing.

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1:50 Scale Experiment HMRC Cork

To verify the performance and optimize the AquBuOY Finavera/AquaEnergy was funded through the Irish
government Sustainable Energy Ireland SEI, to conduct 1:50 scale testing at HMRC, Cork, Ireland.
The testing and preparation of result took place in January - March 2007. The model tests helped calibrate
and validate the numerical model developed by Ramboll. Further the principles of the PTO for experimental
testing was changed from hydraulic to a mechanic system including springs and friction. The combination of
springs and friction turned out to provide very similar characteristics as the forces from the hose-pumps. It
was agreed to incorporate this PTO system in the 1:10 scale testing also.

The 1:50 scale model ready for testing at HMRC

The main results from the 1:10 scale model experiments were data produced on performance for a wide
range of sea states and damping settings. The numerical model was improved by incorporating of more
accurate hydrodynamic parameters for the combined float and tube geometry as well as drag resistance
measured experimentally.
The comparison between measured and calculated energy production showed an overall good agreement.
The numerical model was transferred from Ramboll to Finavera as part of this project to be used in further
optimization an evaluation. The results are described in a confidential report as part of the SEI project.

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Prototype testing Oregon USA

During the spring and summer of 2007 the design and building of the 1:2 scale model took place in Oregon
USA by companies hired by Finavera renewable. The speed and efficiency in getting the project up and
running was quite remarkable seen with European eyes. Only about one and a half month after the project
manager Denis from USA had been witnessing the installation of the 1:10 scale system in Nissum Bredning,
he was ready to install the 1:2 scale model on the west coast of the USA September 1 2007.

AquaBuOY 1:2 construction and prototype testing in USA, Oregon September 2007 [5]

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References:
[1] Energi frn havets vgor, Lennart Claeson mfl, Technocean AB, 1987
[2] First Symposium on Wave Energy Utilization, 30 October 1 November 1979
[3] Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Wave Energy Utilisation, The Norwegian Institute of
Technology, Trondheim Norway June 22-24, 1982
[4] AquaBuOY Wave Energy Converter, real sea testing at Nissum Bredning Denmark September 2007,
Dep. of Civil engineering, Aalborg University
[5] Finaveras webpage www.finavera.com

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