It stores energy in onboard batteries so that it can still provide continuous power through low generation periods.
Both models of the PowerBuoy are designed to work with current and future devices, systems, and machines created by OPT.
The PB3 PowerBuoy functions as a point absorber, a device that harnesses wave energy to generate large amounts of power.
[3][4] PB3 PowerBuoys are designed to minimize operational costs by being easily deployable and using self-monitoring technology to allow quick and cheap maintenance.
A cable transfers electricity from the ESS to an Under Sea Substation which acts as a hub for a group of PB3 PowerBuoys.
The Substation takes the energy from a group of PowerBuoy and sends it either to the shore or to a separate payload through a long cable.
The data varies for different PowerBuoys, as the power generation relies on location and time of year.
The surveillance system can be integrated with both models of the PowerBuoy and acts as an expansion of the communications and data collection devices already present.
[10] While initially designed with the goal of providing renewable energy to people living on land, over time OPT has shifted the focus of PowerBuoy to finding more specific niches as an offshore power system.
[11] PowerBuoy's ability to constantly power itself, go long periods with maintenance, and surveillance/communication capabilities make it a strong asset for organizations focusing on defense and security.
PowerBuoys are able to be placed in remote areas across the ocean and provide continuous information to on shore facilities.
This makes them ideal for monitoring remote sections of ocean for illegal activities such as human and drug trafficking.
PowerBuoys provide power to machines and devices used by scientists and researchers to understand climate change, ecosystems, weather patterns, and more.
As they can be placed in remote offshore areas and power themselves, Powerbuoys are able to be used as a stable communication platform that can expand already existing networks.