Wave energy technology developers Orecon Ltd and Dresser-Rand Company Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding to optimise the chamber and turbine design for their multi-resonant chamber (MRC) wave energy conversion device. Orecon’s MRC device combines oscillating water column technology with Dresser-Rand’s HydroAirTM bidirectional air impulse turbine technology.

To date the OWC’s major weakness, explained Orecon, has been its low efficiency.  The company claims it has made a technological breakthrough with the MRC by combining multiple chambers to increase the bandwidth of energy capture and Dresser-Rand’s impulse turbine.

By sharing technologies, the companies say they will provide total OWC-based solutions backed by Dresser-Rand’s global service network.  Together, said Orecon, we will be able to provide clients with a high level of confidence in the emerging wave energy market that is normally available only in long-established markets such as oil and gas.