A Visakhapatnam based start-up has teamed up with IIT-Madras to generate electricity from sea waves.

Virya Paramita Energy (VPE) has inked a collaborative agreement with IIT-Madras, achieving a breakthrough in the renewable energy sector.

The team created the device named 'Ocean Wave Energy Converter' or Sindhuja-1, to generate energy from the waves. 

According to a press release from IIT-M, "The system has a floating buoy, a spar, and an electrical module. The buoy moves up and down as the wave moves up and down. In the present design, a balloon-like system called a buoy has a central hole that allows a long rod called spar to pass through it.

"The spar can be fixed to the seabed, and passing waves will not affect it, while the buoy will move up and down and produce relative motion between them. The relative motion gives rotation to an electric generator to produce power. In the present design, the spar floats, and a mooring chain keeps the system in place."

This device is directed at isolated offshore areas that require reliable electricity and communication — either by supplying power to payloads incorporated directly in or on the device, or by supplying power to payloads situated nearby, such as on the seabed and in the water column. 

Oil and gas, defence and security establishments, and communication sectors are among the targeted stakeholders.

In November 2022, the team deployed the device, six kilometres off the coast of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu and placed it at a depth of 20 metres. 

“After positive results in our maiden trials, we have set a target of generating one MW of electricity from the waves for commercial purposes by 2025,” said Sai Karthik Sunkara, the founder of VPE, reports The Hindu. 

They are receiving assistance from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai.

According to the team leader, Professor Samad, "The sea is rough. There are forces such as tidal waves, wind, tsunamis, cyclones, and so on. Sea water is caustic, and marine algae growth on the machine element is a concern.

"Divers and other specialised personnel are required for the installation. It is very difficult to deploy and maintain this gadget in the water. So, when designing any system, we must take into account all of these elements. Finally, the entire task becomes costly."

Ocean waves can generate power 24 hours a day, seven days a week with minimal battery storage.

It is ideal for marine surveillance, offshore desalination plants, drone charging, underwater vehicle charging, weather buoys, military ships, ports, and oil and gas operations.