The CETO unit sits on the sea bed where it extracts wave energy and delivers this energy to a turbine on shore, producing electricity using existing and proven generating technology. In addition, it can deliver water to a reverse osmosis filter for the production of fresh water. This activity is dictated by arbitrage between electricity and fresh water. No fossil fuel is used at any stage of the process.

The CETO unit was recently deployed off Rous Head, Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia where it is undergoing trials and testing with a view to commence commercial operations. Each unit is expected to produce enough power for approximately 100 homes.

During its very first test, CETO has successfully transmitted high pressure water to shore at such a pressure which is within design parameters required to generate electricity. This proves the underlying principles of the CETO technology. Although testing will continue with the objective to optimise output, given the various variables at sea, the design of a commercial “mini-generating farm” will commence immediately.

2. Brief History

Although the inventor has developed the CETO concept since 1975, detailed design of CETO commenced in August 2003 with construction of the unit starting in December of the same year.

It took 12 months to manufacture and install all components and following an extensive 3 months “dry testing period”, the CETO unit was launched to sea on 21 March 2005. During March and April 2005 the CETO unit was kept at the quay-side for further testing, concrete ballasting and the installation of computer software.

During the same period, a contract with Fremantle Port Authority was finalised. This provided SPPL with a lease agreement for the deployment location and pipeline route to on-shore facilities rented from Lobster Australia Ltd. These facilities include a warehouse-type shed with 2 portacabin offices to house computer equipment required for testing and data collection as well as adequate space to test water pressures and eventually install a turbine and a power generator if so required.

On the 4th of May 2005, CETO was towed out to sea and successfully sunk on to the demarcated area on the sea bed. Over the next month 250 cubic meter of sand was pumped into ballast tanks in order to secure the unit in its position. Winter conditions caused some delay, but it was not significant. Following the completion of sand ballasting, 16 scour mats were placed around the unit. Divers have since reported that the scour mats are effective in preventing erosion around the unit. A one in 40 year storm has since been experienced with no significant influence.
The unit was then flooded inside as a security measure whilst pipeline connections were installed. A 125 mm internal diameter water pipeline was connected to the CETO pumps as well as 2 airlines and a fibre optic cable for control and measurement purposes.

On the 19th July water, which flooded the CETO unit, was pumped out and an inspection was carried out inside the unit to ensure the functionality of all equipment. The unit was then sealed and the inside pressurised. The CETO unit successfully pumped on shore. The underlying principles of CETO were thus proven in the very first hour of it operating!

Over the next few months testing of equipment (e.g. the pumps) will take place as well as the collection of data from various sensors inside and outside the unit. The objective is to develop a model that will optimise the output (water pressure) given the number of variables.

Construction phase

Launch of CETO for first tests

Sinking of CETO

CETO inside during pumping stage

CETO pipeline

CETO’s first spew out

CETO’s churn out with some pressure

The desktop simulations, engineering and calculations were verified early in July of this year when for the first time CETO successfully pumped water onshore. The concept of capturing energy from waves is thus proven. "Fine tuning" is currently under way. The last quarter of 2005 has been dedicated to more detailed engineering with actual values. Inside the test facility (onshore), where the water pipe terminates, additional electronic equipment has been installed for measuring and logging data. The main parameters to record onshore are the flow rate and the pressure. Sensors have been placed in strategic positions around the unit. These sensors provide the significant wave height, wave period, energy spectrums etc. for the specific sea-state by using Citect SCADA software and power logic controllers.

The data loggers inside the test facility (onshore) allow remote monitoring of data over a virtual private network (VPN) and can be viewed from the UK. The current input parameters at the moment are from the flow meter and the pressure gauge. These analogue signals are converted by the device's analogue to digital converter. The values are recorded historically and analysed on a computer.

The importance of measuring the parameters onshore cannot be overstated. It takes into account energy losses due to the length of the pipe, friction losses from the CETO pumps and is the last exit point before turbine connection. A flow control valve will also be installed to enable the SCADA Citect to automatically optimize the flow rate.

CETO still requires more testing to optimize the stroke of the arm connecting the diaphragm to the pumps. Once the flow rate and pressures onshore are optimized for various sea states and controlled or adapted as required, the focus will be more towards the Pelton turbine and desalination equipment. The latter has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it is delivered.