General details
EDIHs involved
Challenges
WavePiston is an SME based in Denmark and Gran Canaria, specializing in innovative wave energy technology to produce clean electricity and water. The focus of this project was to optimize communication network monitoring, crucial for the reliable transmission of data from wave energy converters in the ocean to land-based monitoring stations. The deployment at the PLOCAN Test Bed presented several challenges:
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Adverse Marine Conditions: The harsh Atlantic Ocean environment, including saltwater corrosion and marine growth, posed significant risks to the communication equipment.
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Reliability in Data Transmission: The ocean's constant movement and underwater location of equipment made it difficult to maintain stable and accurate data transmission from the wave energy converters to shore stations.
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Constant Power Supply: Ensuring a continuous power supply for monitoring systems in the marine environment was complex, necessitating effective use of solar and wave energy sources.
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Latency and Bandwidth Issues: Real-time monitoring required high-capacity, low-latency communication links, challenging to achieve over long distances, particularly underwater.
Solutions
To address WavePiston's complex challenges, our EDIH implemented a series of specific solutions following a Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) on December 2023:
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Efficient Energy Management: Utilizing the SmartGrid at the PLOCAN Test Bed, combined with wave energy converters equipped with high-capacity batteries, ensured a reliable power supply for the monitoring systems.
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Optimized Network Architecture: CIDIHUB developed an optimized network architecture featuring advanced data compression algorithms and efficient routing protocols to maximize bandwidth and minimize latency. Local processing nodes near the power converters preprocess data before sending it to ground stations. The network design included multiple redundant paths and failover systems to guarantee uninterrupted data transmission, with machine learning algorithms continually optimizing routing protocols to adapt to changing marine conditions.
Results and Benefits
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Renewable Energy Generation: WavePiston demonstrated effective wave energy generation, contributing to the diversification of renewable energy sources in the Canary Islands.
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Technological Development: Significant advances in marine energy harvesting technology improved device efficiency and durability, crucial for commercialization and large-scale deployment.
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Testing and Validation: The collaboration enabled real-condition tests, validating the WavePiston system's viability in the Canary Islands' marine environment and providing valuable performance and reliability data.
Perceived social/economic impact
Wavepiston’s technology extends beyond its innovations in renewable energy, offering significant social and economic benefits, particularly for coastal and island communities where access to reliable energy and clean water is limited.
Social Impact: A Sustainable Solution for Coastal Communities
By harnessing wave energy, Wavepiston provides a clean, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, helping to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. This aligns with global efforts to transition to greener energy sources, positioning Wavepiston as a key player in the drive for sustainability.
For coastal and island regions, where energy infrastructure can be fragile or costly, Wavepiston offers a stable and eco-friendly solution. Access to reliable energy enhances everyday life and supports essential services such as healthcare, education, and clean water production.
Economic Impact: Driving Growth and Innovation in the Canary Islands
The deployment of Wavepiston’s technology contributes to the economic development of the Canary Islands, creating jobs, attracting investment, and fostering innovation in the renewable energy sector. With the potential for large-scale implementation, the region could become a leading centre for marine energy, driving economic activity and increasing its global recognition.
Furthermore, the successful validation of Wavepiston’s technology in the Canary Islands provides a model that can be replicated in other coastal regions worldwide. Expanding into new markets creates opportunities for further investment, research, and technological advancements in the renewable energy industry.
Measurable data
Since the implementation of Wavepiston's technology, significant measurable improvements have been achieved:
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System Efficiency Improvement: Wavepiston expects a 15% - 25% increase in the overall efficiency of its wave energy conversion system based on optimizations in energy storage and data transmission technologies.
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Increased Data Transmission Speed: The latency in the communication network has been reduced by 20%, allowing for near real-time monitoring of energy production and equipment status.
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Reduced Maintenance Costs: The application of advanced corrosion-resistant materials and proactive maintenance schedules is expected to lead to a 15% - 25% reduction in maintenance costs, significantly extending the lifespan of equipment.
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Energy Storage Optimization: With the implementation of new energy management strategies, temporary energy storage capacity has increased by 30%, ensuring continuous operation even during unfavorable ocean conditions.
These improvements have directly impacted the reliability and sustainability of Wavepiston's operations, providing a robust framework for future scalability.
DMA score and results - Stage 0
On December 2023, the DMA for WavePiston yielded an overall DMA T0 score of 45%. This score indicated an early stage of digitalisation with significant growth potential. The company has taken initial steps to modernise operations, and management is open to further digital transformation. However, greater commitment, investment, and strategic focus are needed to maximise the benefits. Digital tools in areas such as product design, project planning, and management were in place, but further automation in production and customer service could enhance efficiency.
DMA score and results – Stage 1
On February 2025, the DMA for WavePiston yielded an overall DMA T1 score of 54%. Wavepiston has improved its digital maturity level from 45% to 54%, reflecting a moderately advanced stage of digitalisation. The company is already benefiting from its digital investments, with a clear strategy, dedicated resources, and strong management commitment driving progress. Looking ahead, Wavepiston could explore more data-driven business models and expand its offerings with digital functionalities and features to stay competitive in an evolving market.
Lessons learned
Do’s
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Implement Redundancy: Use multiple communication technologies and create redundant paths to maintain reliable data transmission in challenging marine environments.
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Proactive Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance and inspections to prevent equipment degradation and ensure long-term performance, especially in adverse ocean conditions.
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Foster Collaborative Efforts: Encourage close collaboration between engineers, marine biologists, and communications experts to effectively address multidisciplinary challenges.
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Commit to Continuous Innovation: Adapt and innovate continuously to meet evolving challenges in the dynamic marine environment, enhancing system performance.
Don’ts
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Neglect Redundancy: Avoid relying on a single communication path or technology, as this increases the risk of data transmission failures.
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Overlook Maintenance: Do not ignore regular maintenance and inspection schedules, as this can lead to equipment failures and decreased performance.
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Isolate Teams: Do not work in silos; instead, ensure all relevant experts collaborate to leverage their combined knowledge and expertise.
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Stagnate Technologically: Resist the temptation to stick with outdated technologies; continuous innovation is crucial for adapting to new challenges and improving efficiency.
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