O.W.C.M
The O.W.C.M. facility, being a wave power plant, is based on the conversion of the kinetic energy of waves into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy. When the waves encounter the dam, it is subjected to stress and moves horizontally, exploiting the potential difference between the wave crest and trough (clapotis effect). This movement generates a flow of water through turbines that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
The first and significant advantage offered by the innovative O.W.C.M. system is that it can be installed in the Mediterranean Sea, where waves are small to medium-sized (from 1 to 2 meters) for most of the year, thus generating sustainable and continuous energy.
The “Oscillating Water Column Motor” system can be likened to a water-operated engine, consisting of a series of floats (pistons) that move within cylindrical cavities, through modules applied to or integrated into existing or to-be-constructed vertical wall breakwaters.
The system is also designed for integration with other technologies for the production of alternative energy such as (ReWEC 3, solar panels and mini wind towers).
The floats are connected to coaxial hydraulic tubes (pumps), and with each wave, they rise, pumping a significant amount of water that is discharged into a reservoir (collector or compensation tank) adjacent to the dam.
The seawater is pumped into the collection tanks from which, through gravity, with the pressure of one or more atmospheres and an adequate flow rate, it feeds a complex of turbines and generators that constitute the marine power plant for energy production.
The water that is drawn from a certain depth outside the dam, is clean and oxygenated, so it can be used for the reclamation of large port areas with very low costs, drastically reducing pollution.
PROTOTYPE
In front of your eyes, you can observe the 1:5 scale prototype of the O.W.C.M. facility, which has been anchored to the offshore breakwater for conducting necessary tests in various wave motion conditions, including the most imposing and disastrous storms that have occurred in Liguria in recent years.
