The Offshore Floating Type Wave Power Device ”Mighty Whale” Open Sea TestsPerformance of The Prototype –

Mighty Whale is a floating wave power device based on the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) principle. It converts wave energy into electric energy, and produces a relatively calm sea area behind. The open sea tests were begun in September 1998 in Gokasho Bay, Nansei Town, Mie Prefecture. Measurements collected since then include performance data in typhoon seasons. This paper presents the measurements of wave energy absorption, floating body motion, and wave height dissipation. It is expected that these results will be useful in the design of offshore wave power devices in the future.