Technology

The Project utilises an oscillating water column (OWC) device to capture wave energy.

The Project is completely shore-based with a concrete or steel collector and turbine located on the adjacent reef .

The OWC device structure  comprises a fixed volume chamber, open below the water surface but closed above, except for a single outlet.  The chamber in this case will be located onshore at the point of wave break.

The basic operational principle is that the breaking wave causes a rise of water level within the chamber, which compresses the air above the water surface and forces it out of the single outlet and, in so doing, turns a turbine.  As the wave recedes, the water level in the chamber drops and air is sucked back into the chamber.  With the right configuration the turbine will continue to rotate.  Energy is thus extracted from both rising and falling waves.

The following links explain the concept:

BBC News item on Islay plant