Arch Point Wave Rider Buoy, Co. Clare

Name of Applicant:  ESBi
Grant Award:  €47,395
Category:  Shared Cost R&D
Completion Date:  September 2005

Introduction

Records from weather ships, meteorological buoys and satellites provide evidence that the wave power resource in deep water to the west of Ireland is a substantial one.  The relevant distances offshore are currently too great to allow realistic prospects for power production and transmission ashore to be commercially viable however.

It is also well known that the power level falls due to shallowing and sea bed friction as the coastline is approached and computer models are widely used to predict the nature of the changes that occur.

For calibration purposes it was desired to establish a measurement programme at a promising location where a depth of 60m could be obtained within short (1.5km) distance from shore with open exposure to the Atlantic.  This would allow realistic measured assessment of

• Local annual power and energy levels with predominant frequency content of waves
• Seasonal variations
• Correlation with deep water buoy measurements and model predictions
• Application to prototype wave power conversion systems
• Experience of working on this hazardous and exposed coast

The project is being carried out by ESB International and Irish Hydrodata supported on an equal basis by ESB Power Generation and Sustainable Energy Ireland under its renewable energy research, development and demonstration programme.

Current Status

Measurements commenced in November 2003 and excellent results were obtained until early July 2004 when it became necessary to replace the initially installed buoy.  The replacement buoy will target the 2004 autumn/winter conditions.

For further information contact:

Graham Brennan
Sustainable Energy Ireland
Glasnevin
Dublin 9

Tel.:  01 8082539
e-mail:  graham.brennan@sei.ie