Wave, Wind, and Solar Hybrid Energy Raft Could Power 1,000 Homes a Day

Electrical Technology

Hybrid Energy Raft Could Power 1,000 Homes a Day with Wave, Wind, and Solar Energy

A renewable energy solution from Swedish company NoviOcean could soon power 1,000 homes daily using an innovative combination of wave, wind, and solar energy. The company’s Hybrid Energy Converter (HEC) integrates these renewable sources to optimize energy generation in offshore environments, offering a significant boost to clean energy production.

The HEC is a 38-meter-long, 12 meter in height and 8 meter in width floating raft that maximizes energy efficiency through its hybrid design. Featuring six vertical wind turbines generate 300 kW and solar panels producing between 50 to 80 kW. The system is anchored by its ability to harness wave power with a total output of around 1 megawatt (MW).

Hybrid Energy Raft with Wave, Wind, and Solar Energy

The HEC is capable of consistent energy production with an average capacity factor of 40%. The project is still efficient even when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining.

“Our NoviOcean machine maximizes renewable energy by combining wave, wind, and solar power in a single solution. It  ensures energy generation even during unfavorable conditions,” said Jan Skjoldhammer, Founder and CEO of NoviOcean.

According to Skjoldhammer, the device can power more than 1,000 households per day, delivering energy in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

Features of Hybrid Energy Raft

  1. Wave Energy Conversion
    • Wave Power Technology: The primary energy comes from wave movement. NoviOcean uses a large buoy that rises and falls with waves. The buoy is connected to a hydraulic piston. As the piston moves, it drives a generator that converts kinetic energy into electricity.
    • Efficiency: According to NoviOcean’s data, each unit can generate up to 600 kW, depending on the wave intensity.
  2. Wind Energy Integration
    • Wind Turbines: Wind turbines are mounted on top of the raft structure. These turbines provide supplementary power, particularly in areas where offshore wind conditions are favorable.
    • Capacity: The wind turbines can add an extra 300 kW of power, enhancing the overall output of the raft.
  3. Solar Power Panels
    • Solar Panels on Deck: The raft is fitted with high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) panels on its surface, maximizing the use of space.
    • Solar Output: The solar panels contribute an additional 50-80 kW of power during peak sunlight hours.

HEC - Hybrid Energy Converter Raft

How It Works

At the core of the NoviOcean Hybrid Raft is its wave energy system. This technology leverages the motion of waves to activate a hydraulic piston system, converting mechanical motion into electricity. The modular design allows for energy generation even during lower wave heights, providing continuous power output in various sea conditions.

On top of the wave-energy platform, the raft is equipped with wind turbines designed to harness offshore wind. This makes it being stronger and more consistent than onshore wind. Additionally, the flat surface of the raft is lined with solar panels, capturing sunlight during the day to provide additional power.

By integrating these three renewable energy sources, the raft is designed to maximize energy generation throughout the day, regardless of the weather conditions or time. This hybrid approach ensures the system’s efficiency and reliability, making it one of the most versatile ocean energy solutions on the market.

Expanding Hybrid Power Solutions

NoviOcean is a Sweden-based renewable energy company specializing in wave energy technology. Their mission is to create scalable and environmentally friendly solutions that harness the power of the ocean to generate clean electricity.

NoviOcean’s hybrid design is not only innovative but also cost-effective. By combining wave, wind, and solar power, the HEC generates double the energy per square kilometer compared to traditional offshore wind power. This way, it make sure to reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Each km2 of ocean space can host 15 HEC units, collectively producing 25 MW.

This is a big improvement over the 10 MW typically generated by offshore wind farms alone. The hybrid system also shares infrastructure, such as transmission cables, further cutting costs.

NoviOcean’s CEO, Johan Lindström, remarked on the importance of this development, stating, “The Hybrid Energy Raft is more than a technological advancement—it is a glimpse into the future of how we can sustainably meet the energy needs of coastal communities. Our goal is to help accelerate the global shift towards renewable energy by offering a flexible and efficient solution.”

NoviOcean’s design is modular, making it easier to produce, install, and maintain. It utilizes proven technology and components, ensuring low environmental impact while offering a higher power-to-weight ratio than traditional offshore wind turbines.

The wave energy is harnessed by a water-filled cylinder beneath the raft. This way, it pumps water to a Pelton turbine to generate electricity as the raft moves with the waves.

Proven Success and Future Ambitions

The concept has been extensively tested, both in wave pools and in real marine environments near Stockholm, proving its effectiveness. A smaller version of the HEC is currently powering homes on Svanholmen Island, showcasing the device’s real-world potential.

Last year, NoviOcean’s achievements were recognized at the German Startup4Climate competition, where the company won for its innovative approach to renewable energy.

Looking ahead, NoviOcean aims to scale up its technology with the support of €12 million in funding. The company plans to collaborate with offshore wind farms to build full-scale hybrid plants that combine wave, wind, and solar energy.

Although Swedish waters may not be ideal for such installations due to insufficient wave activity, the company has identified promising sites along the coasts of North and South America. Additionally, Sweden could still benefit from electricity generated off Norway’s coast, where waves and wind conditions are more favorable.

NoviOcean has already secured SEK 30 million in grants from the EU and Sweden, along with a green loan from Almi. The company’s success in the Startup4Climate competition also brought in one million kroner. This helps to advance its technological readiness level (TRL) and move closer to large-scale implementation.

As global demand for clean energy solutions grows, NoviOcean’s HEC could play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable and consistent renewable energy across the world’s oceans, ensuring reliable power for coastal communities while reducing the environmental impact of energy production.

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