Deep-sea shuffle

A low-cost wave energy technology is being developed that uses the unique hydrodynamics of waves and will be able to survive even the most hostile of ocean conditions. The system is also claimed to be far more efficient than other, similar systems in converting waves into electricity.

The principle upon which the

device, made by the company of the same name, operates is deceptively simple and sets it apart from other spin-out wave energy devices, such as the Manchester Bobber (

). While the Bobber uses the up-and-down motion of the waves to drive a generator, the C-Wave uses the distance between waves to the same effect.

The new company is based at

and tests its systems in the university's wave tank. However, it is an independent business with no formal academic ties.

According to Giles Edwards, C-Wave's chief executive, the device makes use of the same properties of waves that make it difficult to jump from one boat to another while at sea.