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AWM wave generator will be designed and built for energy harvesting research
American Wave Machines, Inc. (AWM), an innovator in artificial wave technology, announced that it is developing a wave generator for the Ocean Energy Research Lab at the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB). While this is a departure from amusement industry applications, it is aligned with the core focus of AWM which is innovation in artificial wave technology. The wave generator for the University of Texas will be the central component of a large wave tank system. It will be capable of generating waves with controllable wave heights and frequencies in a tank measuring fifteen meters long, one meter wide, and one meter deep. Upon completion, the wave tank will become a primary facility for ocean energy research at UTB.
Ocean waves hold enormous energy. Yet, to date, ocean wave energy is highly under-utilized due to the lack of reliable and cost-effective means of harnessing this energy. The Ocean Energy Research Lab at UTB is currently pursuing a novel technology to enable a corrosion-free, maintenance-free, and hurricane-proof wave energy converter. The AWM wave generator will be used to simulate a typical ocean environment in the lab for testing bench-scale prototype wave energy converters.
The wave generator will be able to accurately simulate deep water and transitional water regular waves of variable wave height and period. This is the most common type of offshore swell wave that research and industry are interested in harvesting energy from. AWM’s simple and rugged design will give the Ocean Energy Research Lab wave generator long lasting and repeatable characteristics that a research tool demands.
“The availability of this wave generator will significantly facilitate our research along this line, ” said Dr. Yingchen Yang, Director of the Ocean Energy Research Lab. “It allows us to systematically examine and improve the design parameters of the wave energy converter in a timely and cost-effective manner. With this help, we are more confident that we can reach our ultimate goal – to make ocean waves become a competitive renewable energy source.”
Bruce McFarland, CEO of AWM, stated, “We were pleased to be selected by the University of Texas to participate in their outstanding research effort. The application of wave technology for energy harvesting is intriguing and we have some innovative ideas that will allow the researchers to be precise in their analysis. We look forward to the progress made in this field and participating in its future.”
About American Wave Machines, Inc.
American Wave Machines, Inc. is a leader in artificial wave technology for all applications and industries. Its patented SurfStream®, the world’s first standing wave machine, is a technology breakthrough that delivers authentic surf and wave riding capabilities to the amusement industry including waterparks, hotel/resorts, and action sports venues. PerfectSwell™ wave generators for wave pools and custom surf pool design and equipment is another innovative offering.
For more information, contact info@surfstream.com.
