Swansea-based developer Marine Power Systems has completed testing of its prototype pump, a key subsystem of the company’s WaveSub wave energy converter.
The pump was deployed in the pickling pond, a tidal lagoon in the heart of Pembroke Port prior to being recovered for testing.
The aim of the pump testing was to determine whether any biofouling or corrosion affected the performance of the pump.
The testing was conducted by Severn Subsea Technologies using a series of checks to ascertain its performance, including measuring flow rates pre- and post-deployment at sea.
A critical aspect of the prototype pump testing procedure was to investigate whether the pump could maintain the required flow rates in operation at sea.
MPS said this is imperative to ensure the safety and reliability of the WaveSub device, a quarter-scale version of which is due for deployment at Pembroke Port later this year.
MPS director Gareth Stockman said: “We are reaching some exciting and important milestones as we work towards completing all the necessary procedures required to ensure the successful deployment of the WaveSub device.
“We are pleased with the positive results from recovering the pump prototype and are optimistic about upcoming testing processes we will carry out ahead of deployment of our quarter-scale WaveSub device.”
The project has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, with MPS receiving a £2m grant last October.
Image: Pembroke Port (Pembroke Port)
