Biomimicry-based energy generators tested at AMC's Towing Tank

Australian Maritime College (AMC) engineers will begin work this week with BioPower Systems Pty Ltd on the third and final block of tests on a project that will harness the ocean's energy and cut greenhouse emissions.

BioPower Systems Pty Ltd designs are based on biomimicry, where biological species are the inspiration for engineering design. In this case the bioWAVE wave power system and the bioSTREAM tidal power system are designed to move and respond in a similar way to ocean plants and fish, while efficiently extracting power from the waves and tidal streams.

BioPower's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tim Finnigan said, "Some of the traits that we observe in large sea plants and fish provide us with clues on how to design machines that will function well in the ocean environment, convert energy efficiently, and survive in the worst storms. The design concepts have been verified through tank testing at the AMC."

The AMC's towing tank, along with its expert technicians, provides a unique facility in Australia. Tasmania has the requisite rapid tidal currents and consistent waves needed to streamline the project.

A BioPower Systems Pty Ltd prototype of the bioWAVE design will be installed off King Island and the bioSTREAM off Flinders Island in mid-2008. The ocean-energy converters will generate up to 250kW each, supplying the electrical needs of the islands, both of which now rely on diesel and wind power.

Gregor MacFarlane, Manager of the facility said, "AMC's Towing Tank provides a controlled environment to test performance of the designs. We've been able to accurately simulate the type of waves expected to occur off King Island and the tidal flows off Flinders Island."

"Given the "clean and green" image that most Tasmanian's like to promote, it's only logical to consider the use of technologies that offer advantages such as relatively benign impact on the marine ecosystem and zero visual impact, as offered by these renewable energy concepts from BioPower Systems," said Mr MacFarlane.

BioPower's Dr Finnigan said, "This project will allow us to develop the technologies to be ready for commercial production within a couple of years. We aim to have both systems connected to the distribution grids with discussions already held with Hydro Tasmania."