The vision is to have a series of Bobbers working together to generate electricity. One concept which is currently being explored is the use of decommissioned offshore rigs as platforms for the devices.

Professor Peter Stansby, co-inventor of the Manchester Bobber and Professor of Hydrodynamics at the University of Manchester, said, 'Offshore wave energy represents a substantial concentrated green energy source for an island state like the UK. Energy from the sea may be extracted in many ways and harnessing the energy from the bobbing motion of the sea is not a new idea. It is the hydrodynamics of the float employed by the Manchester Bobber that provides the vital connection to generating electricity.'

The device's vulnerable mechanical and electrical components are housed in a protected environment well above sea level, which also makes for ease of accessibility.

All mechanical and electrical components are readily available, resulting in high reliability compared to other devices with a large number of more sophisticated components. The Manchester Bobber will respond to waves from any direction without requiring adjustment.

The ability to maintain and repair specific bobber generators (independent of others in a linked group) means that generation of supply can continue uninterrupted.

The initial concept for the Manchester Bobber evolved from a 12 month Carbon Trust award.

The design, development and testing of the device has been carried out at the University of Manchester led by Professor Stansby and Dr Alan Williamson.

Phase One of the project, testing of a 1/100th scale working model, was successfully completed in January of this year. Phase Two, which now begins, involves a 1/10th scale device that has been constructed and will be tested at NaREC over a two week period.

Mowlem plc and Royal Haskoning are also developing and costing conceptual designs for a full scale platform. Phase Three will involve a full scale prototype being constructed and tested in parallel with with detailed costings and engineering design for the optimum full scale concept from Phase Two.

The project team see the Manchester Bobber as a key international development at the forefront of the renewable energy sector.

MJ Information No: 21129