TAPCHAN

Abstract

The TAPCHAN Wave Power Plant combines the following features:

• The wave energy is converted to potential energy in an on-shore water reservoir

• The generation of electricity is carried out by standard hydroelectric power plant technology

• The conversion device is entirely passive and has no moving parts

• High energy conversion efficiency is maintained over a broad range of wave heights, frequencies and directions.

The first full scale TAPCHAN power plant is now under construction on the west coast of Norway. It is expected that this plant will deliver electricity at a cost of 5–6 US cents pr kWh.

Significant cost reductions are expected when we get beyond the prototype phase. The prototype will be connected to the Norwegian electrical network in October 1585. Most of the lecture at the conference will be used to describe the actual prototype, whereas the enclosed paper describes working principles.