Technology
Features & Benefits
Functionality
The separation of key functions precludes the requirement to design for excessive load transmission through the inflatable elastomeric material.
Maturity
The two proven subsystems have high technological and commercial readiness and are widely used in other marine sectors.
Durability
Compliant & load shedding. Proven materials with high survivability and fatigue resistance. Principal materials do not corrode.
Manufacturability
Easily assembled with no heavy lifts. Vulcanised marine tenders are readily available off the shelf in high volumes at a range of sizes. Tension Technology International’s established net manufacturing capacity can be upscaled or outsourced as required.
Affordability
Structural design assessment has demonstrated that NetBuoy™ assembly is less than 1/3 of the cost of steel based equivalent prime mover. Transportation, installation, and operation costs are all reduced.
Transportability
Lightweight yet strong. The foldable nature of the uninflated buoy means that the transport dimensions, along with mass due to material density, are significantly reduced compared to steel equivalents. Multiple deflated units can be readily transported from factory to quayside.
Maintainability
The NetBuoy™ system can be installed and recovered with smaller vessels. Individual net lines can be replaced and established repair services already exist for vulcanised fenders. Ease of recovery and replacement improves availability.
Installability
Hook-up and pull-down loads can be reduced by adjusting buoy pressure. Suitable for deployment with smaller vessels.
Scalability
Range of commercially available off-the-shelf fender units (up to 6m diameter). Modularisation can be adopted for greater swept volumes. Larger volume buoys possible with re-tooling as demand grows.
Applicability
The NetBuoy™ technology has been demonstrated to have high applicability to a wide range of WEC architectures, in addition to other marine technologies and sectors.
Use our NetBuoy™ design tool.
Click below to access our purpose built estimation tool to see how you can use NetBuoy™ to benefit your offshore wave energy project.
