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ANDERSEN FLOATING WAVE GENERATOR
PRE-COMMERCIAL STATUS |
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PROCESS/ PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
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Waves are nature's method of incorporating oxygen in water bodies. This observation led wave generator inventor Per Andersen to create steep artificial waves that deliver the mixing properties of natural waves, but unlike natural waves, the wave train can have an exceptionally long range of influence. Compared to other mixing devices such as turbines and bubblers, the steep artificial wave is the only one that is capable of long range mass transportation of surface wave and floating matter. Removal of surface debris from urban water bodies is a natural application for the Andersen Floating Wave Generator (AFWG). | Ice control in cold climates is another natural application. Warmer below-surface water is moved upward by the AFWG and thus prevents ice formation or, over a period, melts and breaks up, ice already formed. Golder Associates, under an agreement with Andersen Wave-Tech Inc., has developed the production model of the AWFG. The Floating Wave Generator (FWG) components, Figure 1, are a helical roller, linked to an electric motor and a wave reflecting backboard which is an integral part of a floating platform. Artificial waves can be used on water bodies to aid in the removal of floating weeds, algae, debris, and in increasing the | circulation and oxygenation within the body of water. Figure 2 shows a FWG in operation at the Frenchman's Bay Yacht Club, Pickering, Ontario. Through changes in the design of the wave generator, the FWG can be manipulated to produce artificial waves to suit the particular situation. In channels and ship docks, reflectors can be used to propagate the waves through the channel to prevent ice build up. In man-made basins constructed for recreational purposes, the energy of the waves is preserved by selectively placed reflectors. |
 Figure 2: Floating Wave Generator Components |
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PROCESS/ PRODUCT APPLICATION:
THE AWT FLOATING WAVE GENERATOR
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The Floating Wave Generator can be used on bodies of water not only to remove floating vegetation and debris but also to prevent water stagnation. The majority of small water bodies will display some level of algal growth. Algae are drifting aquatic plants, of which the blue-green algae possess a predominant buoyant characteristic. When these particular algae form a bloom on the water surface they can inhibit or decrease any light penetration to submerged plants. The decaying algae consume the dissolved oxygen in the water body which can cause fish kills. Some algae produce toxins | that will also result in an overall increase in fish deaths. The wave generator can be used on ponds and lakes to remove the floating algae bloom and to reoxygenate the water body where algal blooms have decreased the overall oxygen levels. Where reaeration of deep waters is desired, the FWG would be used in conjunction with an airlift aeration system that would deliver waters from lower layers of the water body to the surface for subsequent inclusion in the spreading wave train. The wave generator system, used in this way, can be instrumental | in large-scale recirculation of waters. Table 1 lists several potential applications for the Wave Generator. It can be applied to harbour and marina areas where water stagnation or a build up of ice inhibits the use of the waterways. Ice can prevent regular boat service, for example local ferry services, from operating. By motorized pivoting of the floating platform, the wave energy produced by the FWG can be continuously or periodically redirected, for example, to aid and direct the transportation of debris or algae to a particular location for subsequent removal. |
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PROCESS/ PRODUCT OPERATION:
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The platform of the Andersen Floating Wave Generator is a I-shaped structure that is anchored at the desired location and remains partially submerged when water-borne and at rest. The typical helical roller is six meters long, consists of three turns, and produces waves that reflect off a backboard and propagate across the body of water. The structure is made of low maintenance durable materials. The height of the waves produced is determined by the size and period of the helical roller, and the spiral length of the roller determines the length of the wave train. The waves leave the generator at an angle that is determined by the system dimensions, the minimum angle being approximately 30 degrees. The Wave Generator basic model specifications | can be found in Table 2. The wave generator will produce waves that have a height to length ratio of 1:8 compared to 1:25 for natural waves. The steeper wave increases the ability of the wave generator to effect mass transport. The waves produced have a surface mass transportation velocity 10 times greater than natural waves and will cause mixing to depths one half of the overall wavelength, as illustrated in Figure 3. The mixing effect causes lower warmer water to rise to the surface; that in turn will increase surface water temperatures, and will also cause the entrainment of air. The sediment at the bottom of the water body remains undisturbed because the mass transportation directly from the wave train is limited to a depth of half the wavelength. | The machines are transportable and powered by a domestic power supply. They require minimal maintenance once the system is established. Each application of the Wave Generator will vary and consequently the wave generator's orientation can differ from one application to the next, including the ability to rotate the system during operation so that it covers a wider area. Multiple wave generators may be used in some applications. The overall costs and energy consumption are low in comparison to other techniques used in similar situations. For example, some harbour areas use 2HP turbines to prevent or minimize ice formation, whereas the FWG runs on a 1/4 HP motor. |
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VENDOR INFORMATION: Golder Associates Ltd. |
Andersen Wave-Tech Inc. (AWTI) developed and patented the Floating Wave Generator (FWG). Golder Associates is an international, environmental and engineering consulting company which provides services in surface and groundwater resource management, risk assessment, strategic environmental management, site decommissioning and habitat restoration. Golder Associates Ltd. has an agreement with AWTI to develop and market wave | generators as part of an overall water quality management system. The first prototype for the production model was designed, constructed and tested in early 1996. First deliveries of the commercial FWG are in 1998. Other wave technologies have also been patented by AWTI, including sea-borne wave makers and the Level-Blade Wave Generator which is capable of producing larger long range waves and is suited to applications in larger bodies of water. |
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This document was originally published May, 1998. It is best viewed with the font Times, size 12. This technology has been successfully tested at the pre-commercial status level. While OCETA has reviewed this product/process with the Vendor and conducted limited independent investigation, OCETA assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information.
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