Wave Formation Waves are formed due to the oscillation of water
particles by the frictional drag of wind over the waters
surface.
Slide 3
Parts of A Wave Waves have crests (the peak of the wave) and
troughs (the lowest point on the wave). The wavelength, or
horizontal size of the wave, is determined by the horizontal
distance between two crests or two troughs. The vertical size of
the wave is determined by the vertical distance between the two.
Waves travel in groups called wave trains. Energy output is
determined by wave height, wave speed, wavelength, and water
density.
Slide 4
Waves are a renewable source of energy because they are
continuous and regular.
Slide 5
Primary Uses of Wave Energy Electricity for homes, buildings
Desalination plants Power plants Water pumps
Slide 6
History The first commercial wave energy converter to generate
electricity from offshore waves was the Pelamis (company founded by
Dr. Richard Yemm in 1998) prototype which was tested at the
European Marine Energy Center between 2004 and 2007. After the
successful testing of the Prototype, Pelamis Wave Power got
permission to build the worlds first wave farm off the northwest
coast of Portugal in 2008. Generated electricity at a cost of about
7 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Slide 7
The Pelamis Wave Energy Converter is a Scottish-designed wave
energy attenuator. Each Pelamis is huge 140 meters long (459 feet)
and 3.5 meters in diameter (11.5 feet). The Pelamis consists of
three segments each housing a power generator.
Slide 8
Who uses wave energy? Wave power varies considerably around the
world, also depends on wind in given areas Best environments are on
Western coastlines. Eastern coasts often yield energy resources.
Even though some areas have good conditions for wave energy
production, there are competing uses of the ocean such as shipping,
commercial fishing, naval operations, etc Wave energy leaders:
Portugal, Scotland, Australia, South Africa
Slide 9
Wave Energy in the US Wave energy production is under
development in multiple parts of the US. It has surpassed the
research stage but is considered more as a back-up plan than a
priority because of its expenses. Developing in various locations
including Oregon, New Jersey, and Hawaii.
Slide 10
1.Wave energy converters composed of multiple cylinders are
hinged to each other are placed on or offshore (anchored to sea
floor) parallel to the direction of waves 2.When waves hit, they
are absorbed by the cylinders which drives hydraulic rams in the
connected sections that in turn drive an electric generator. 3.The
electricity travels through cables from the device to the shore.
How Waves are Converted Into Electricity
Slide 11
Power Stations
Slide 12
Pros of Wave Energy Emission free Renewable Reliable
Flexibility on location Area efficient (A wave farm that is
occupying less than a half square mile of an ocean would generate
enough electricity to power over 20.000 British homes) Very high
energy potential (The energy density is typically around 30-40 kW
for every meter (2.2 feet) of wave along the shore) Very small
impact on ocean wildlife Employment opportunities
Slide 13
Cons of Wave Energy May cause conflicts with tourism and local
acceptance Degrades scenic views Noise pollution Highly expensive
in early stages Requires regular maintenance Could interfere with
fishing, shipping, etc Machinery is at risk during harsh weather
conditions at sea
Slide 14
Current Events 2010: Dartmouth University received a $750,000
federal contract to research more efficient methods to measure wave
power in the open ocean. March 2014: Carnegie Wave Energy, a listed
developer of renewable energy from waves, has been extended a $20
million, five-year loan by the Clean Energy Finance Corp in hopes
that it will help Australia become the main leader in the global
switch to green energy.