New ocean power player SyncWave calls itself cheaper

A startup on the west coast of Canada believes its approach to ocean power generation will be less complicated, and therefore generate energy that's less expensive, than alternatives.

SyncWave Energy Inc. (SEI), previously known as Sieber Energy, says its SyncWave Power Resonator is a radically new approach to capturing the energy in ocean waves using frequency-based technology.

SyncWave is a free-floating, self-reacting point-absorber system that the company says is low impact, long-life, almost invisible, and highly productive. It suspects it could sell power profitably for as little as $US 5cents/kWh.

The system uses independent floats and a controller deployed in deep waters offshore. In ocean swells the floats heave out of phase. A controller connecting the floats translates their relative motion and converts the motion into electricity, which is sent by cable back to shore. The controller tracks changes in sea state and wave frequency over time, and constantly applies corrections to keep the system productive, SyncWave claims, without hydraulics.

Each device is to be ‘slack moored’, and not require investment in infrastructure needed for tidal compensation. This should permit a SyncWave device to be a relatively light structure, with simple anchoring and minimal impacts on sea beds, the company says.

The company recently completed tests with a prototype and is about to enter into a $15M USD demonstration project off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.

It plans to bring its technology to market with sales booked and supply chain in place by 2009.