Bombora launches tenders for wave device build-out

European subsidiary of Australia-based wave energy developer Bombora Wave Power has launched two tenders for the construction of its wave energy device.

Bombora Europe is seeking suppliers for the design, fabrication, delivery, installation and validation of the flexible membrane system for its mWave wave energy converter.

The contract includes the supply of a large-scale membrane, along with accompanying fixing, testing and monitoring services. The company noted the membrane should be suitable for prolonged cyclic use in seawater.

The deadline to apply to the tender has been set for January 12, 2018.

Also, Bombora Europe has invited applications for the supply of the design, fabrication, delivery, installation and validation of the valve system for the mWave device.

The valves should be able to operate in humid air at low pressure and high flow rates, with the condition that they feature the ability to be latched in the closed position, according to Welsh government’s procurement website Sell2Wales.

Applications must be submitted before January 15, 2018, deadline.

Bombora’s mWave device features a series of air-inflated rubber membranes mounted to a concrete structure on the sea floor.

As waves pass over the mWave, the air inside the membranes is squeezed into a duct and through a turbine. The turbine spins a generator to produce electricity. The air is then recycled to re-inflate the membranes to prepare them for the next wave.