Sigma Energy developed and implemented an original mechanical PTO system, with inertial unidirectional clutches which smooth the rotation of the generator and increase its efficiency.
Sigma Energy also developed an original circular float design with an open bottom and system of unidirectional valves. It captures pre-calculated mass of water, which makes the float properly weighted and (in case of extreme waves) it highly reduces the bottom slamming loads. Float is connected to the spar by specially constructed and patented spherical joint. The joint enables the float to pitch, which highly reduces the dynamic loads on (very exposed and tensed) vertical spar. It also makes the float motion considerably smoother, with reduced danger of bottom slamming.
The spar is supported by a tension leg platform with three tendons of equal length, so it remains vertical throughout the motion. This, as proved by model tests, enables very favourable and effective heave motion of the float. There is an original, patented, procedure for deployment of the tension leg platform and the float at the chosen location. Most of the presented innovative solutions have been tested and verified by numerical analysis and several model tests.
