O.W.C.MGenoa
The O.W.C.M. project is one of the very few systems for harnessing energy from wave motion that has already been tested in Italy and has a maritime concession on a Mediterranean offshore breakwater.
It will be of great significance for Genoa and for Italy’s global image as a leader in the fight against greenhouse gases, environmental protection, and the utilization of wave-generated energy (356 days, 24 hours a day).
For the construction of an O.W.C.M. marine power plant on the breakwaters of Genoa, with the required and suitable length, it is envisaged to build a series of Roman cement modules (Prof. Galli UNIBS), in the cylindrical cavities of which fiberglass floats (with a diameter of approximately 3.6 meters) move to actuate hydraulic pumps composed of coaxial tubes.
From the breakwaters of the Port of Genoa, with 1,200 O.W.C.M. modules, it is estimated that an average effective power of approximately 36 megawatts can be obtained, equivalent to three times the power of the Brugneto Hydroelectric Power Plant, with electricity production free from harmful emissions and fine particulate matter, calculated throughout the year, as follows:
158 million Kilowatt-hours
(36 Megawatts x 24 hours x 183 days)
1.200 O.W.C.M modules 36 Megawatt
Conceptualization, measurement, and construction of prototypes in perspex (plexiglass) at a scale of 1:25 and 1:20, subsequently placed in a tank at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Genoa using a wave simulator with constant attenuation.
Data collection and formulation of a mathematical model for the production of electricity, hydrogen, and potable water.
Construction of the 1:5 scale stainless steel prototype (36 meters in length) with placement on the external dam and data collection. Subsequently, production of a mathematical model directly proportional to the first one (as the machine's dimensions increase, so does the energy output).
Design of the prototype and construction of the 1:1 scale model. Implementation and installation of the module, followed by data collection of the results.
Production of electric power, green hydrogen, potable water, port water cleaning, and commercialization.