MODULAR ELECTRICAL GENERATOR PTO SYSTEM FOR WAVE - MEGA PTO WAVE

The world faces the challenges of transitioning to net zero emissions to combat climate change, requiring a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, like wave energy. Yet, the integration of wave energy into the global energy mix is not without hurdles. Harnessing the power of ocean waves requires innovative and reliable technologies that can withstand the harsh marine environment while ensuring consistent energy generation. Moreover, the pursuit of sustainable energy production extends beyond emissions reduction, to embrace circular economies. Circular economies advocate for a holistic approach where resources are continually reused, repurposed, and recycled, thus minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. For the wave energy sector, this means not only developing efficient power take-off systems but also considering the lifecycle impacts of materials, manufacturing, installation, operation, and decommissioning. The MEGA PTO Wave project aims to provide an enabling technology to transform ocean waves into clean, reliable energy. Through this project, a smart, scalable system will be created that adapts to changing conditions and keeps working even if a part of the system experiences a fault. By designing all aspects of the MEGA PTO to be highly modular, incorporating novel axial flux magnetic gear, electrical generator technology and adaptable power electronics, the project will make energy production more efficient and eco-friendly. This modularity creates a system that is easier to manufacture, transport, install, maintain, remove and recycle, than alternatives. The MEGA PTO Wave project brings together expertise from all over the EU to create a PTO linked to sustainable supply chains, to accelerate wave energy commercialisation to capture vast amounts of predictable energy in a sustainable and cost effective manner, in order to meet EU NetZero targets by 2050.