6/2002
Functioning 1/20th scale
model of new OMI WavePump
design is unveiled in Dana
Point, CA.
A fully functioning clear
plastic scale model of OMI’s revolutionary WavePump has been constructed to
demonstrate its elegant design and simplicity.
Few moving parts and its compact package ensure its reliability in the
harsh environment of the ocean. Low
maintenance will be a hallmark since the pumps design does not require close,
tight tolerances to move water. The
water flow will actually lubricate and cool the pumps moving parts.
The very portable demonstration
model reveals the pump’s effectiveness in moving water with the simple up and
down motion which would be driven by the ocean waves. As the pump is buoyed up on a wave, it draws water
from its foot and as the pump is ballasted down, high pressure water is
jettisoned out in a significant stream from the top of its center pipe. Several pumps will be manifold together in a
‘pump farm’ assembly in order to develop a very large flow rate of high pressure
water as waves pass thru the pump farm.
Another genius attribute of
the OMI WavePump is that the diameter of the pump design is based on the
average wave height for its location.
For higher waves, a narrower pump would be used for the long stroke
which results in a smaller exposure to the passing wave force. Conversely, for lower waves which produce
smaller passing wave forces, a wider pump would be used to produce the same
volume and pressure with the shorter stroke.
Check back for picture of pump here sometime in
future!
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