Sandia National Laboratories – Sandia Wave Energy Power Take-off (SWEPT) Lab

The Sandia Wave Energy Power Take-off (SWEPT) Lab tests wave energy converter (WEC) power take-off (PTO) systems. WECs are unique because they convert the oscillatory mechanical energy from ocean waves to generate electricity, this differentiates them from other technologies that harness a relatively steady input of mechanical energy (e.g., wind turbines or hydroelectric power technologies). Because of their unique way of converting energy, WEC PTO systems require specialized methods and facilities for their design and testing.

Designed specifically for testing WEC PTOs by control systems experts in the Sandia Water Power Technologies department, the SWEPT Lab adds value to researchers and industry by providing specialized methods and facilities for WEC PTO design and testing. The SWEPT Lab is a mobile system that can test wave energy power take-offs at the most convenient location.

Capabilities include:

• Accelerated life testing
• Dry testing
• Bench testing

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Point of Contact: Ryan Coe - rcoe@sandia.gov