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At Arrecife Energy Systems we transform ocean waves into a sustainable, zero emission, and economically competitive electric power source.


Description

Summary

Arrecife is a wave energy converting floating platform that simulates the working principles of a coral reef opposing the strength of the waves to create resistance and absorb large part of its energy. It operates optimally at wave heights up to 5m, maximizing the number of operation hours at full capacity with a capacity factor over 55%. It operates both near-shore and offshore at any sea depth, being survivability ensured by an immersion system that activates with waves higher than 5 m. The system uses low cost materials and is easy transportable for installation and repairing, thus resulting in capital and O&M cost reductions of 50% and 85% compared to other offshore technologies. As a result, Arrecife has a LCOE of 90-125 €/MWh. Arrecife is also adaptable to offshore wind and oil and gas platforms for complementary energy production. Arrecife’s patented design consists of a horizontal floating platform provided with several rows of cross flow cylindrical turbines that emulate the effect of coral reefs to capture energy. It comprises the following components: ? Turbines: several cross-flow turbines are strategically disposed to oppose the waves and break them to capture both the horizontal (kinetic) and vertical (potential) energy components of the wave. The remaining flow is then passed over to the next turbine recovering part of its initial energy to repeat the process. This results in maximized capture of wave’s energy density with conversions rates > 60% compared to 40% of current WEC turbines. The mechanical design of the turbines made with steel is satisfactory when subduing them to 6m waves. The system is thus designed to work optimally with wave heights of 1-3m and up to 5 m high - which constitutes 85% of the available resource globally in order to maximize the number of annual working. This results in capacity factors of >55% compared to 22-33% in other WECs. 


Is this proposal for a practice or a project?

Project


What actions do you propose?

 

Arrecife project aims to de-risk the industrial implementation for wave energy by achieving the last three steps required to get this advanced technology ready for commercialization: 1) Development of a 1:1 scale prototype manufactured by Global Energy Group 2) 1.5 years of prototype open sea testing in a Marine Energy Platform and 3) Definition of value chain and certification.

Main Arrecife Objectives and related Key Performance Indicators - KPIs - Technical objectives: 1. To develop a 1:1 scale prototype with 265 kW capacity reaching a minimum conversion factor of 55% at manufacturing costs <4,000 €/kW; 2. To have the prototype tested for 1.5 years at Wave Energy test center collecting data on performance (energy yields, capacity factor, power matrix, yield response to wave changes extrapolation, grid connectivity, energy quality) and survivability; 3. To obtain all the required certifications and homologations for commercialization including CE marking, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and ISO certifications.

- Commercial objectives: 1. To launch to the market at least 2 Arrecife devices by 2020, tripling production by the third year to arrive up to 68 units in 5 years (2024); 2. To build a commercial network for Arrecife based on direct contact with all members of the value chain; 3. To renew and expand the current PCR to ensure IPR protection.

- Implantation objectives: 2 early adopters with 2 pilot Wave Energy Converters in 2 different locations to have some feedback on the energy production and dynamic behavior of the device.


Who will take these actions?

At Arrecife Energy Systems we strive to develop a new wave energy converter that provides energy without disturbing the marine natural resources. We protect the environment by creating a zero emission solution in remote locations. We also empower these remote locations by providing low cost electricity with minimum maintenance ,compared to current marine energy devices,  Also, our product will support the local community by supplying energy and generating job opportunities. Also for the power supply for charging batteries to sailing boats and electric boats. Offshore Oil&Gas operations, Offshore Wind Turbines and Fish farms applications. Renewable energies located near the consumer, as wave energy seem to be a feasible alternative, thus we developed ARRECIFE which are cross action turbines placed in series, being them composed of many blades simulating a coral reef.

 


Where will these actions be taken?

Main market applications envisioned for Arrecife in order of importance are the following: 1) Islands, resorts and in general remote and offshore populations or facilities with energy supply needs 2)Disaster relief in case of energy needs when hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes or different natural catastrophes. 3)Offshore wind, oil&gas and aquaculture in multi-use platforms for supplementary energy supply, offsetting of intermittent production and reduction of the final LCOE. 4) Charging batteries for sailing boats and electric boats. 5)Ocean data capturing and processing


In addition, specify the country or countries where these actions will be taken.

United States


Country 2

United Kingdom


Country 3

Norway


Country 4

Spain


Country 5

Portugal


Impact/Benefits


What impact will these actions have on greenhouse gas emissions and/or adapting to climate change?

A 1,6MW ARRECIFE Turbine will supply the energy for 460 US homes during a year without CO2 emission and not contributing to the climate change and global warming.

With a ARRECIFE Turbine System you can save 78TN of CO2 per year!!!


What are other key benefits?

NEED for electricity supply in islands and coastal isolated population in a renewable and sustainable way where there's no grid connection or if there is too expensive for the population.

NEED of energy supply for disaster relief in case of natural catastrophe.

NEED for efficient offshore power supply for Oil&Gas platforms that aren't producing oil and are going to deploy: The global number of offshore Oil&Gas platforms is near 1,500.

NEED for a regularly, affordable and renewable power supply to avoid the imbalance costs for non producing when there's no wind enough at Offshore Wind Turbines, or simply for the peak of demand. The number of Ofshore Wind Turbines is near 3,500.

These subsea facilities, which are now located further offshore than decades ago, need power for drill-centres and pipelines for heating systems and running temperature or erosion control sensors so we can help capturing this oceanographic data.

 


Costs/Challenges


What are the proposal’s projected costs?

Expected growth potential. In the last years we have made an investment of around € 160,000 to obtain the current development of Arrecife technology. After an execution of an additional investment of € 2.5 million we expect to have Arrecife out in the market at a selling price of € 1,500,000 with a production cost of € 1,000,000 that will be further reduced thanks to the economies of scale. We expect a twofold annual increase of our sales between 2020. Arrecife’s expected growth potential by 2024 will provide € 17.68 million benefits in five years, with breakeven taking place by year 3. This will allow a Return of Investment (ROI) rate of 5.5. 
The way to commercialize ARRECIFE products to the communities will be selling hardware or electricity as a service with a monthly quote for the local government or country. This makes our device affordable for all the local and remote communities that cannot afford buying the device and need power energy supply.

PROTOTYPE

      connected to grid      together with wind park
Price €/tonTons/ unitTotal Cost €Porcentage
Structure, turbines & electric system(a+b+c+d+e+f+g)

640.75037,  32%             625.75036,  44% 

Mooring(a+b+c)

412.910   24,05%            112.970    6,58%

Connectors€/unit*units

111.0000,  64%

Cable(a+b)

190.500   11,09%

Umbilical cable purchase €/m*m*unit17550087.500 5,10%

50000,00%b. Umbilical cable installation€/día*days*unit50.000150.0002,91%
50.000150.0002,91%c. Ditrel connector (structure to deep cable)
53.000153.0003,09%
53.000153.0003,09%4. Load Out€/unit*units8.00018.0000,47%

100,00%5. Assembly, Transport & Installation(a+b+c+d+e+f+g+h)

100.0005,82%


00,00%a. Mooring set up€/day*days*unit45.000145.0002,62%

100,00%b. Towing (1 x BP 50 ton)€/day*days*unit10.000110.0000,58%

100,00%c. Hook up€/day*days*unit45.000145.0002,62%

100,00%6. Decommissioning(a)

10.0000,58%


00,00%a. Tugboat€/day*days*boats10.0001100000,58%

100,00%7. Construction Insurance
0,01
13.5220,79%


00,00%8. Structure Insurance
0,01
6.4080,37%


00,00%9. Development (project + project management)
125.0001125.0007,28%
125.0001125.0007,28%10. Permits & licenses
55.000155.0003,20%

100,00%11. Environmental assessment
65.000165.0003,79%

Prototype Capex Total Costs


1.717.089                           1.026.720
Margin45%

772.690                              462.024




2.489.779                           1.488.744
 


Timeline

Main Arrecife Objectives and related Key Performance Indicators - KPIs - Technical objectives: 1. To develop a 1:1 scale prototype with 265 kW capacity reaching a minimum conversion factor of 55% at manufacturing costs <4,000 €/kW; 2. To have the prototype tested for 1.5 years at Wave Energy test center collecting data on performance (energy yields, capacity factor, power matrix, yield response to wave changes extrapolation, grid connectivity, energy quality) and survivability; 3. To obtain all the required certifications and homologations for commercialization including CE marking, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and ISO certifications. - Commercial objectives: 1. To launch to the market at least 2 Arrecife devices by 2020, tripling production by the third year to arrive up to 68 units in 5 years (2024); 2. To build a commercial network for Arrecife based on direct contact with all members of the value chain ; 3. To renew and expand the current PCR to ensure IPR protection.


About the author(s)

Oscar Villanueva, Chief Operations Officer and Strategy Advisor Mr. Villanueva holds a degree in industrial engineering, a MSc. in Business Administration and in 2014 completed a specialized Directive Development Program. He has over 15 years experience working at the main Spanish Oil & Gas company (Repsol). In the recent years he has been involved as a mentor in the creation of several start-up projects and innovative business consulting.

Jose Javier Doria (Ph.D.), Chief Technological Officer(CTO) and Scientific Advisor Dr. Doria is Cofounder at Nowave Engineering Solutions and Professor of Design and Project Engineering at E.U. UPV / EHU. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineer by the University of the Basque Country and is the inventor of the technology. He will lead all the technology development and improvement functions within ARRECIFE project. During his long career as senior researcher he has leaded several research projects and more than 400 engineering projects. His main achievements are the discovery of a new geometrical shape, the last in 2,500 years. He has a large track of scientific publications as well as several patents of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic designs. He was also part of the development team of the Saunier Duval equipments (research focused on the improvement of turbine ventilation systems). He has also carried out business applied research, particularly in the development of the aforementioned golf club designs for Makser company.

Iñigo Doria, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Sales Advisor. Mr. Doria holds a Degree in Economics and a MSc. in Insurance and Financial Advising. He is responsible for the development of the business plan for Arrecife project, as well as for the seek of public funding opportunities. He has over 5 years experience undertaking commercial activities within the field of credit insurances, which has kept him in contact with companies in an array of sectors. He is responsible to select and contact suppliers for Arrecife. 


Related Proposals

Tidal Energy


References

Most recent research projects of José Javier Doria CTO:

2013 ‘Wave Energy Converter 1/10 Scale Model’ funded by the Basque Government.

2000 ‘Wheel and nozzle for Kaplan 140 KW turbine’. 480/1000 ? FAGOLLAGA SA

1997 ‘Design of a grill aerodynamic deflection’. SAUNIER DUVAL CLIMA SA. Vitoria.

1997 ‘Design of a nozzle for axial fan’. SAUNIER DUVAL CLIMA SA. Vitoria

1996 ‘Development of two calorimeters for test of units split of air conditioning’, SAUNIER DUVAL CLIMA SA. Vitoria.

Most relevant patents of José Javier Doria CTO.The longstanding research in hydraulic dynamics leaded by Dr. José Javier Doria has yielded up to 22 patents in the last 25 years:

 P150605EP

P9900669/1999

FR2758613

BS/98/U000005  

P9700108

P9700506

P9700109

P9602376

P9402178

P9301662

P9301663

P9300439 US: 5.435.558 Can: 2.116.891 Jap: 35.034/94 Eur: 94500044.6 PI 9300439

P9300372

P8803577 US: 5048352 Can: 20034319 Jap: 301808/90 Eur: 89500111.3

List of most relevant patents Publications José Javier Doria has over 50 publications in relevant Spanish and international technical and scientific journals. A selection of the five most relevant ones is here provided. 2015 "Device for converting kinetic energy of a flow from waves, wind or water currents into mechanical energy of rotation" European Patent 15382473.5 1999 ‘Biomechanics of the Golf. Dyna’. Spain Industrial Engineers association. NºJul-August-September. 1999 ‘Constructing a family of conics by curvature dependent offsetting from a given conic’. Elsevier. Computer Aided Geometric Design. Volume 16, nº8, sept. P. 700/840 1998 ‘New properties of conic sections and the ruled surfaces deriving from them. Selected applications in architecture and engineering’. Proceedings of The Second International Conference Mathematics And Design. San Sebastián. 1997 ‘The geometry rise with a new elementary warped figure’. I Ibero-American Symposium of Expr. Graphics in the Engineering and the Architecture. CAMAGÜEY (Cuba).