PWP recently completed the installation of the accumulators, transformer and associated switchgear for the P2 Pelamis machine. The accumulators store and smooth the fluctuating energy absorbed from waves to allow Pelamis to generate at a steady continuous rate. The transformer is used to step up from our generating voltage of 690V to our current export voltage of 6.6kV. Once the modules are complete they will be joined to the tubes to complete each section.
The P2 configuration allows more energy storage to be included at a lower cost, as longer individual accumulator vessels can be used. This reduces the cost of energy and further improves power quality.
The build method is very similar to that commonly used in shipbuidling and submarine assembly where systems are installed in ‘slices’ which are subsequently welded together. This speeds up the assembly, minimises confined space work, and allows all systems to be modular. Hence the ‘slices’ can be fabricated in several locations if required and shipped to final assembly sites around the world.