Green Ocean Energy Ltd, an Aberdeen-based company, is developing a machine called Ocean Treader.
The machine is a floating device designed to be moored 1 – 2 miles offshore in ocean wave systems, and as such will be largely unobtrusive from the shoreline. The theory behind the machine has been proven in wave tank testing, says the company.
The structure consists of steel load bearing members with the buoyant bodies moulded from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), this allows standard offshore manufacturing techniques to be used. The machine is also modular which allows for great flexibility in the manufacturing process.
The company is now developing a full size machine for offshore testing.
According to a report filed by enterpriseapplications.cbronline.com, the company is now raising funds to enable it to build a full-size prototype, with the aim of testing it offshore before 2010.
Regarding the development, the report shared that the company used Autodesk Inventor to create a number of working digital prototypes rather than physical versions. This means that testing can be done on screen and any potential problems fixed before a physical version is constructed. This has saved the company time and enabled them to move the project forward.
"This all would have been so much more difficult if it wasn't for 3D CAD," said George Smith, managing director of the company.
The Ocean Treader is still going through the model iterations stage. "Modelling in 3D has helped us to fit a lot into a complex space and to check there are no clashes. In this way, it gives us confidence in the design while it's still on the screen – when changing something isn't a big problem."
GOE is also hoping to use Autodesk software to help it secure financing for the project. "Using 3D digital design it is far easier to explain concepts and engineering drawings to a wider audience," said Smith.
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