Module consists of a Hull (floating part) and a Keel (deep submerged part). Depth of a Hull is 5m at Bow and Stern, increasing to 30m + at midway line. Hull floats with approx. 2/3 of its depth (44% of it's volume) under water. Keel is attached to Hull by three Legs (fore, mid, aft) per Sector. Legs are cell-sized in diameter. Keel is a flat horizontal box, 100 metres long, also made from hexagonal cells; smaller than hull and approx 10m deep. Keel and Legs are water-filled through restriction orifices, so mass and water drag resists heave. They can also be de-ballasted to change height/ attitude of Hull. Up/ down motion of Keel also produces forward thrust, via a Keel Fin, to resist horizontal displacement by waves and provide mobility. WMC is generally anchored to resist displacement by the current, but free to rotate. Dynamic Positioning is used to orientate WMC relative to the waves; normally at a slight angle to wavefront DP is achieved by Modulation of the thrust of each Keel, and Orientation of Wind Sox. Control is by hydraulic logic computer. Access is by chopper or by boat to the rear of the WMC. Living Quarters, communications and life support are provided.

Impact

• In moderate seas, a 1km WMC generates 200,000m3 per min compressed air at 3barA
• This is equivalent to 35 MegaWatts continuous
• This is sufficient to power a Cold Water Miner, for example.

Practically

• A ‘slow-tech’ design would encompass low speeds and a 200-year life.
Reinforced Concrete (RC) is used extensively as construction material, because of its cost, strength and durability.
• Building such machines would be viable for the existing offshore industry.
• The technology is easily transferable to less-developed countries.

Environmentally

• The WMC is totally wave-powered renewable energy.
A low-maintenance design allows for minimal upkeep cost.

Socially/ Politically

• Such projects could be financed by a Carbon Tax; ideally through a “World Carbon Bank”
• Governments could buy in to such schemes; it’s jobs for their industry and a way to be seen to be doing something!

Economically

• Development costs are estimated at €50 million
• A working prototype would cost approx €400 million
India could subsequently build a full-size machine for the same price.