Easily deployable and outfitted with multiple power sources the hybrid PowerBuoy® power and communications platform is ready for use.

Ideal for shorter-term missions, the hybrid PowerBuoy® is suitable for a variety of marine solutions. The hybrid PowerBuoy® utilizes solar panels and a clean-burning Stirling backup engine to power topside or subsea payloads.  Power is generated independent of wave activity which the Company believes makes it an ideal solution for powering through extreme weather and heavy seas or in calm, low wave environments, including near shore and inland bodies of water.

The hybrid PowerBuoy® can be utilized across many industries and applications, including emergency and short-term power and communications support for maintenance, testing and repair services.  It can be configured with OPT’s marine surveillance solution for security monitoring of offshore areas.  Customized solutions are also available, including the addition of subsea sensors to monitor for acoustic signatures, tsunami, and other environmental conditions.

Data from the hybrid PowerBuoy® is transmitted to shore based command stations via communications networks, including WiFi, cellular, mesh and/or satellite systems, depending upon location.  Data can also be integrated with satellite, terrestrial, and other data feeds to form a detailed surface and subsea view.

OPT recently put the first hybrid PowerBuoy® through an initial sea trial that included several tow configurations, roll and pitch stability measurements, Stirling Engine and solar power source operation and integration, and other tests in coastal New Jersey waters, where it met or exceeded stringent engineering requirements. 

“We believe that the hybrid PowerBuoy® is a remarkable power and communications platform – an easily deployable, clean offshore energy source and excellent complement to OPT’s PB3 PowerBuoy® solutions,” said George H. Kirby, President and Chief Executive Officer of OPT.

For more, visit the hybrid PowerBuoy® page.