OPT unveils hybrid-powered buoy

Offshore staff

MONROE TOWNSHIP, New Jersey – Ocean Power Technologies Inc. (OPT) has introduced the hybrid PowerBuoy, an easily deployable power and communications platform for any ocean environment.

It stores power for topsides and subsea payloads in onboard lithium iron phosphate batteries primarily charged via solar panels. A ‘clean burning’, silent 1-kW Stirling engine serves as a backup source of charging power, fueled by propane or biofuel (Generation 2) in commercially available 100-gallon tanks.

Power is generated independent of wave activity, which the company said makes it an ideal solution for powering through extreme weather and heavy seas or in calm, low wave environments, including near shore and inland bodies of water.

The new buoy can be used across many industries and applications, including emergency and short-term power and communications support for maintenance, testing, and repair services. It can be configured with the company’s marine surveillance solution for security monitoring of offshore areas. Customized solutions are also available, including the addition of subsea sensors to monitor for acoustic signatures, tsunami, and other environmental conditions.

Data from the buoy is transmitted to shore-based command stations via communications networks, including WiFi, cellular, mesh and/or satellite systems, depending upon location. Data can also be integrated with satellite, terrestrial, and other data feeds to form a detailed surface and subsea view, the company said.

OPT recently put the first hybrid PowerBuoy through an initial sea trial that included several tow configurations, roll, and pitch stability measurements, Stirling engine and solar power source operation and integration, and other tests in coastal New Jersey waters. It met or exceeded stringent engineering requirements, the company said.

06/26/2020