Research Programme

From the outset Trident Energy has adopted a rigorous and disciplined approach to research, development and testing. As part of its internal R&D program, the company installed an in-house five tonne capacity wave tank, which was used to optimise the Direct Energy Conversion Method prior to designing a full-scale sea system. The Company has also developed a series of proprietary models that have been used to predict system performance ahead of periods of controlled testing. Actual test results have all been consistent with predictions, validating the effectiveness of the Company’s modeling software. Trident Energy’s test results have also been independently validated by internationally recognised marine renewable energy experts from Southampton and Cambridge Universities.

NaREC-1 (July 2005)

In April 2004 Trident Energy commenced a 15 month research and development project. The objectives of the project were to:

• Assess the performance of the company’s patented linear generator in a series of controlled wave tank tests.
• To calculate the operational performance and the conversion efficiency of its linear generators, and
• To forecast the cost and performance of a full scale DECM system.

The project culminated in a series of wave tank tests at NaREC in July 2005 (NaREC-1). The tests were extremely successful and confirmed the DECM as potentially viable marine renewable solution. The results of the project were independently verified by Professor John Chaplin of Southampton University.

NaREC-2 (February 2006)

Trident Energy was the first company to generate electricity in the NaREC wave tank (NaREC-1) and as a result was invited to demonstrate at a NaREC open day in February 2006 (NaREC-2). This provided TE with an opportunity to run additional tests and extend the findings of its initial research project.

Conclusions from Trident Energy’s NaREC-1 and NaREC-2 Testing

The test results obtained from the NaREC-1 and NaREC-2 tests confirmed Trident Energy’s own in-house wave tank results and projections obtained from its in-house modeling software, validating the operation and commercial viability of the Direct Energy Conversion Method.

NaREC-3 (July 2007)

The company commenced an offshore test project in April 2007. The first stage of the project was to design and test a scale version of its offshore test platform at NaREC. The objectives of these tests were to:

• Assess and monitor rig performance and the operation of 4 floats each driving 2 independent linear generators.
• Assess and monitor the stability of the rig and proposed floatation system, and
• Assess and monitor the performance of the proposed mooring system.

This test phase was successfully concluded in July 2007.

Conclusions from Trident Energy’s NaREC-3 Testing

The results obtained from the NaREC-3 tests provided all of the necessary data to validate the design of Trident Energy’s offshore test platform.