Established in 2008, Marine Power Systems (MPS) is Wales’ leading home-grown wave energy technology developer of the patented and award winning WaveSub Wave Energy Converter (WEC).
Based in Swansea, MPS was formed by its directors Dr Graham Foster and Dr Gareth Stockman, both engineering graduates of Swansea University. MPS has demonstrated and validated its WaveSub (WEC) innovations by way of small scaled sea trials, and has carried out extensive computational modelling, tank testing.
In October 2015, MPS was awarded a £2.1m European Regional Development Fund grant by the Welsh European
Funding Office (WEFO) to fund the project.
CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT
Continuing with its development process, the company is set to fabricate its WaveSub device in Pembroke Port in south west Wales. MPS is committed to achieving 50 percent of its supply chain in Wales, bringing a substantial amount of business to the country. In addition to the steel fabrication itself, MPS will complete Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of parts such as the hydraulic power-take-off systems and the electronic control system, prior to rigorous Systems Integration Testing (SIT) in the Port; this is essential to ensure that the WaveSub will function as intended whilst deployed in the harsh marine environment.
Initial dip testing will be completed in Milford Haven with the assistance of the device fabricator and marine operator, prior to the WaveSub device being deployed at the FaBTest facility – an award-winning, preconsented, 2.8km2 test area situated within Falmouth harbour.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
The Port of Milford Haven announced in March 2016 that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with MPS for the development of the WaveSub device. The agreement will enable closer collaboration between the two companies, following the successful test at Marine Energy Pembrokeshire of a pump that is a key component of the WaveSub.
GREEN BUSINESS AWARD
March 2016 also saw MPS awarded the Green Business of the Year award at the Swansea Bay Business Life awards, which recognises businesses in the Swansea Bay region that are dedicated to conservation and green practices.
MPS is constantly monitoring its IP portfolio, ensuring protection of rights is in place for the company’s innovative WaveSub invention.
Original Article by Wave and Tidal Energy Network.