Full-scale data assessment in OWC Pico plant

Abstract

The 400-kW Pico OWC plant built in 1995-1999 is a bottom-mounted shoreline structure, equipped with a horizontal-axis, Wells turbine-generator set. Main refurbishment actions through 2004-2006 included the complete replacement of the degraded electrical equipment and restorations of the existing mechanical components. Full-scale monitoring included the analysis of instantaneous values of the water free-surface elevation inside the chamber, the air pressure in the chamber and turbine duct, the rotational speed of the turbine and the electrical power output. This paper describes the plant monitoring during the full-scale demonstration from September 2005 to October 2006 and discusses the data and results obtained so far. Copyright © by The International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers.