Abstract
This paper introduces the reader to “Snapper”, a novel wave energy converter (WEC) designed to increase relative velocities within the generator, thus creating the potential to reduce the size, weight and cost of the energy conversion system. “Snapper” is being developed under a €1.3million development grant awarded by the European Union’s Framework 7 Programme. The objective of the project is to develop and validate a prototype “Snapper” system. A multidisciplinary consortium consisting of 6 industrial partners and 2 research organisations from across Europe are involved in the development. This paper shares with the readers the “Snapper” concept with a focus on the development and validation of the “Snapper” grid interface system. It discusses how the output of the “Snapper” generator was simulated and used to design and build a prototype system. In particular, it discusses how the project team has developed a dedicated grid interface that can be fully integrated with the Snapper generator. This paper also analyses the preliminary results from the prototype validation phase where the electrical output of the system is monitored.