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ERDC’s Field Research Facility deploys largest wave energy converter in U.S.

Published Feb. 5, 2013
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - Corporal Enasio Alston, 23, a multi-channel equipment operator and secondary radioman assigned to Communications Platoon, Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (FWD), heard his first newborn, Enasio Jr., via satellite telephone for the first time just after his birth on Nov. 1. The Siler City, N.C., native, missed his son's birth after volunteering to come out for his second tour here as an active reserve Marine from Communications Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group based at Greensboro, N.C. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ruben D. Maestre)
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CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - Corporal Enasio Alston, 23, a multi-channel equipment operator and secondary radioman assigned to Communications Platoon, Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (FWD), heard his first newborn, Enasio Jr., via satellite telephone for the first time just after his birth on Nov. 1. The Siler City, N.C., native, missed his son's birth after volunteering to come out for his second tour here as an active reserve Marine from Communications Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group based at Greensboro, N.C. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ruben D. Maestre)

ERDC-CHL’s Field Research Facility in Duck, N.C. is shown in an aerial view.
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ERDC-CHL’s Field Research Facility in Duck, N.C. is shown in an aerial view.

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DUCK, N.C.--ERDC-CHL’s Field Research Facility (FRF) in Duck, N.C., recently hosted Resolute Marine Energy for a full-scale test and evaluation of their surge wave energy converter (WEC).  Resolute Marine Energy is a Boston, Mass.-based company developing technologies that produce clean energy from ocean waves.

The WEC is designed to generate electricity by using wave orbital velocities to actuate a paddle, which pivots on an axis along its lower edge, supported by a pair of rotary hydraulic pumps that capture energy from the oscillating motion induced by passing waves.  

The FRF used its Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo vehicle to tow the WEC through the surf zone.  

An acoustic wave and current sensor was deployed to measure waves to help manage settings to maximize power production based on the incoming wave field. 

A potential exists for future research regarding the WEC’s implications on slowing erosion by removing energy from waves. 

Learn more about the FRF at http://www.frf.usace.army.mil/.

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