TEPCO is seeking a development partner capable of designing and manufacturing a grid connection system that enables the integration of wave-generated power into the electrical grid.
TEPCO Renewable Power, Incorporated (TEPCO) is developing a wave energy generation system that does not rely on hydraulics. In this system, an absorber plate moves up and down along a slope under the force of ocean waves. This reciprocating motion is converted into rotational motion through a rack-and-pinion mechanism, which drives a generator to produce electricity.
Key operating characteristics are as follows:
The generated power must be converted to 6 kV, 50 Hz for grid connection. In addition, to maximize energy capture by maintaining resonance between the float and incoming waves, the generator must operate in both motoring mode (drawing power from an external source) and generation mode, following speed commands issued by the operation monitoring controller.
Waves entering the slope cause the absorber plate to move up and down along the slope.
The vertical motion of the absorber plate is converted into rotational force by a rack-and-pinion mechanism, which turns the generator in the generator room to produce electricity.
TEPCO is seeking a development partner capable of designing and manufacturing a grid connection system that enables the integration of wave-generated power into the electrical grid.
Specifically, we are looking for a partner with the capability to develop and supply a power conversion system that:
The primary technical challenge is the development of a power conversion and control system capable of handling extremely low-frequency, bidirectional, and highly fluctuating power output from a wave energy converter while maintaining stable grid compliance and real-time resonance control. This capability is essential to achieving efficient and commercially viable wave energy generation.
Hydraulic-based control systems.
The proposed solution must:
TEPCO welcomes engagement from the development and manufacturing stage, including adaptation of existing technologies and joint development projects.
Potential approaches include:
The solution should achieve the following objectives:
Primary Target
Companies with proven capabilities in the development and manufacture of grid connection equipment, including:
Also of Interest
Possible forms of collaboration include:
Technology scouting, open innovation consulting, licensing and patent transactions.
