How does it work?

The process: As a wave moves over the top of the CETO unit it is enhanced, the wave crest depresses a disk and the force is transmitted to reciprocating pumps which deliver water at 7000kpa (1000psi). The high-pressure seawater comes ashore in a 125mm pipe in which a turbine produces electricity, or to a reverse osmosis filter which produces fresh water.

The attractions of wave power include vast world-wide availability, the dual capability to produce electricity and fresh water, and the exceptionally clean/green result without fossil fuel inputs. The specific advantages of CETO include being the first wave power converter to sit on the seabed, where it is invisible, safe from storms and ocean forces, and self contained. Unlike other wave energy technologies that require undersea grids and costly marine qualified plant, CETO requires only a small diameter pipe to carry high pressure seawater ashore to either a turbine or a reverse osmosis filter, and CETO can be employed in any location that geographical and wave conditions permit.

View our Progress report


WAVE ENERGY AND CETO

Wave energy is a renewable energy resource created by wind blowing across the ocean surface. The wave power converter absorbs the energy created and pipes it to a turbine to generate electricity, using no fossil fuels.

CETO is a milestone in renewable energy following 25 years of development work in the field worldwide. The scientific goal is to have multiple wave units working in line to produce commercial quantities of electricity plus valuable fresh water.

CETO wave energy converters will be anchored permanently on the sea floor, as opposed to being floating, or semi submersible, which protects against storms and other ocean forces. They are also self-tuning to tide, sea state and wave pattern.

CETO is built of steel, concrete and rubber, all sub-sea proven materials.

The CETO prototype has a tower visible about 5 metres above sea level for access and communications during the testing and trial phase. Subsequent commercial units will not have the tower.