MARINE ENERGY · ENERGY STORAGE · GRID FLEXIBILITY
BALANCING
THE GRID
WITH ONE
MACHINE
One machine. One PTO. Two complementary energy functions.
Generate when the grid needs power. Store when the grid needs flexibility.
THE ESWAVE CONCEPT
ONE MACHINE. ONE PTO.
FOUR ENERGY MECHANISMS.
ESWave combines two complementary functions — generation and storage — within a single offshore machine.
FUNCTION 01
GENERATE
Wave Energy
Harnessing the relative motion between the sea surface and a fixed reference.
Weight-Changing Energy
A non-reciprocal energy conversion mechanism in which what goes up differs from what goes down.
FUNCTION 02
STORE
Offshore Pumped Hydro
Mechanical gravitational energy storage in the ocean.
Tidal Range Energy
Controlled energy release coordinated with tidal variations.
Different energy resources. Different moments in time. One controllable offshore machine.
GRID FLEXIBILITY
THE GRID DECIDES
WHAT THE MACHINE DOES.
SURPLUS POWER → STORE
POWER REQUIRED → GENERATE
CHANGING CONDITIONS → SWITCH MODE
A single PTO changes its operating function according to energy availability and grid requirements.
FOUR MACHINES IN ONE.
Different energy resources. Different moments in time. One controllable offshore machine.
Wave Energy
Harvests relative motion between the sea surface and a fixed reference.
Weight-Changing Energy
Explores non-reciprocal energy conversion by changing system state between upward and downward motion.
Offshore Pumped Hydro
Stores energy mechanically as gravitational potential offshore.
Tidal Range Energy
Releases stored gravitational energy in coordination with tidal variation.
WHAT GOES UP
DIFFERS FROM
WHAT GOES DOWN.
TWEFDA is exploring a non-reciprocal energy conversion mechanism in which the behaviour of the system differs between upward and downward motion.
TWEFDA proposes an in silico proof of concept for a non-reciprocal energy conversion mechanism within known physical laws. The current validation is computational and situates the technology at approximately TRL 3.
Preliminary hydrodynamic modelling indicates a potential power-harvesting increase of approximately 2.5 times under the studied conditions.
A substantial increase in harvested power could materially change the economics of point absorbers and create a new route to commercial viability.
NOT JUST HYBRID ENERGY.
HYBRID FUNCTIONALITY.
We describe ESWave as a Hybrid Functionality Energy Device (HFED): a single offshore machine designed to switch between two complementary energy functions — generation and storage — according to system requirements.
The asset changes its primary function according to what the energy system needs.
Two renewable generation pathways
Two complementary storage-energy pathways
TWO COMPLEMENTARY FUNCTIONS.
ONE CONTROLLABLE MACHINE.
“Hybrid Functionality Energy Device (HFED)” is terminology proposed by TWEFDA to describe this architecture.
THE RIGHT FUNCTION.
AT THE RIGHT TIME.
The same ESWave can change its operating function according to energy availability and grid requirements.
24/7 ENERGY MANAGEMENT.
When generation is the useful function, ESWave delivers energy. When storage is the useful function, ESWave receives energy. The objective is continuous usefulness to the energy system.
FROM ONE MACHINE
TO AN ENERGY SYSTEM.
A single ESWave can generate or store. An association of ESWaves can distribute those complementary functions across different units at the same time.
ESWaves can deliver energy when generation is required.
Other ESWaves can receive and accumulate energy at the same time.
THE ASSOCIATION DISTRIBUTES FUNCTIONS.
Coordinated ESWaves allow generation and storage to coexist within the same offshore energy system.
FROM OFFSHORE ASSET
TO ENERGY NODE.
The TWEFDA Hub provides a common offshore connection point for generators, storage systems, consumers and energy routes.
STORAGE
CONSUMERS
HUB
OTHER HUBS
OTHER NETWORKS
BRING THE POINT OF DELIVERY
CLOSER TO OFFSHORE ASSETS.
A shared offshore connection point can change where an individual asset interfaces with the wider energy system.
GENERATOR
SYSTEM
GENERATOR
HUB
SYSTEM
POINT OF
DELIVERY
MANAGE ENERGY SYSTEMICALLY.
The Hub creates an offshore interface through which energy can be integrated, redirected or delivered according to the configuration of the connected system.
GENERATION IS IMPORTANT.
FLEXIBILITY IS KEY.
As renewable penetration increases, the challenge is not only how much clean energy can be generated, but how effectively the energy system can respond to when energy is available and when it is needed.
THE SAME FUNCTION ALL THE TIME.
ESWave was conceived for that changing energy system.
WHAT IF AN END-OF-LIFE ASSET
COULD BECOME THE BEGINNING
OF A NEW ENERGY SYSTEM?
Where technically and economically viable, existing offshore infrastructure may provide a foundation for new energy functions.
Offshore locations already connected to infrastructure and energy activity may gain a new role within the energy transition.
A repurposed offshore asset could become an interface between generation, storage, consumers and the wider energy system.
Where reuse is technically, economically and regulatorily viable, extending the useful life of selected offshore infrastructure could defer elements of decommissioning while creating time for future technologies, capabilities and supply chains to evolve.
THE OFFSHORE ENERGY SYSTEM
CAN DO MORE.
Generate when energy is needed.
Store when energy is available.
Connect assets. Manage energy.
Give existing infrastructure a new purpose.
LET’S BUILD WHAT COMES NEXT.
We welcome conversations with industrial partners,
technology partners and investors interested in
bringing TWEFDA technology to deployment.
© TWEFDA Limited
Offshore energy technology
Generation · Storage · Integration
