Interface Sensors Power Advancements in Wave Energy
The ocean, covering approximately 70% of our planet’s surface, represents a significant untapped resource. If it were a country, its “blue economy” would rank as the seventh-largest globally, emphasizing the immense economic and environmental potential of its coastal and marine resources.
Among these opportunities, wave energy stands out as a clean and abundant source. The theoretical potential of the U.S. coasts alone is equal to 63% of the nation’s total utility-scale electricity generation in 2023. However, unlocking this renewable power presents unique research, testing, and engineering challenges, particularly in the harsh and demanding maritime environment.
This is where precise and reliable testing and measurement solutions become critical throughout the lifecycle of wave energy technologies, from development to deployment, and long-term production and monitoring.
At Interface, we recognize the complexities of maritime applications. We provide a comprehensive suite of ruggedized, submersible sensors and instrumentation designed to perform exceptionally in extreme conditions. Our stainless steel load cells, load pins, load shackles, tension load links, and wireless telemetry solutions are engineered to deliver accurate and reliable data for sea and subsea applications, including wave energy use cases.
Wave Energy Use Cases for Interface Sensor Technologies
Equipment Test and Validation
Renewable energy companies, component makers, equipment manufacturers, and research labs rely on Interface precision measurement devices to assess and confirm wave energy converters’ (WECs) structural integrity and performance. Wave energy-affiliated companies utilize our LowProfile load cells, load pins, multi-axis sensors, submersible Mini load cell sensors, and a diverse range of wireless functionality for measurement transducers, instrumentation, and accessories.
Wave Energy Engineering and Research
Understanding the dynamic forces exerted by ocean waves is crucial to optimizing Wave Energy Converter (WEC) designs. As demonstrated by a recent application, our submersible ITCA Tension and Compression Load Cell can be deployed to measure the tension in the tether line between a mooring line and a wave energy generator platform. This real-time force data, fed into a data acquisition system (DAQ), allows scientists and engineers to analyze performance and make critical adjustments.
Development and Prototyping of Wave Energy Apparatus
Various innovative WEC technologies are under development, from surface-following attenuators to buoyancy unit point absorbers. Interface sensors provide precise measurements of force, torque, and weight, enabling the evaluation of the effectiveness and durability of these prototypes in real-world ocean conditions. Check out: Wave Energy Converter
Wave Energy Production Monitoring
Once WECs are deployed, continuous monitoring of critical parameters is essential for operational efficiency and safety. For instance, our custom-made ISHK-B Bow Type Submersible Crosby Cabled Load Shackles can be attached to mooring lines to monitor tension, ensuring the WEC remains securely anchored while generating power. Paired with our SGA AC/DC Powered Signal Conditioners, this data can be remotely monitored in a control center.
A key advantage of Interface technology in this domain is our ability to provide solutions that enable wireless data transmission in underwater applications and harsh weather conditions. When paired with our wireless sensor transmitters, receivers, handheld displays, and wireless load cells, load pins, load shackles, and tension links, our wireless load cells eliminate the complexities of cabling in challenging marine environments.
TIP: Use our Wireless and Bluetooth® Selection Guide to find the right solution.
Our Wireless Crosby Bow Load Shackles are ideal for mooring line tension testing and rigging inspections. They are interchangeable with our WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell. The WTS-BS-4 Wireless Industrial USB Base Station offers excellent coverage and seamless integration with handheld displays, including the WTS-BS-1-HA and WTS-BS-1-HS.
While wave energy technology is primarily pre-commercial, its potential is undeniable. Accurately measuring and monitoring the forces at play is crucial for advancing the reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of these systems. Interface is proud to provide sensing solutions that empower researchers, engineers, and developers to harness the immense power of the ocean and contribute to a sustainable energy future. Discover our solutions for the renewable energy market, featuring submersible and harsh-environment sensors.
