Ocean Wave Energy Systems
A machine that exploits wave power is a wave energy converter wec.
Ocean wave energy systems. This is not for lack of effort as for more than two hundred years inventors researchers and engineers have struggled to develop processes and systems to recover the energy of the waves. The energy from surface waves is the most conspicuous form of ocean energy possibly because of the often spectacular wave destructive effects. Limitations of wave energy 2. An average 4 foot 10 second wave.
Wave resources are extremely variable as availability is strongly dependent on wave height and during storms wave power can reach highs of 200 kw m but are insecure for maneuvering. Thursday september 24 2020 8 00 9 30am pdt 3 00 4 30pm utc. Ocean waves contain tremendous energy potential. A variety of technologies have the potential to capture that energy and some of the more.
Grid connected wave energy test facility became fully operational in july at a military base in hawaii. With a growing need for clean energy sources to complement wind and solar there is an increasing need for new technology to be developed. Ocean energy is an indirect form of solar energy. Advantages of wave energy 1 2.
Kinetic energy the energy of motion in waves is tremendous. Iea technology collaboration programme on ocean energy systems has published in depth inte. The energy in waves comes from the movement of the ocean and the changing heights and speed of the swells. In many areas of the world the wind blows with enough consistency and force to provide continuous waves along the shoreline.
Wave power is the capture of energy of wind waves to do useful work for example electricity generation water desalination or pumping water. Wave power devices extract energy directly from the surface motion of ocean waves. Open ocean power grid connected wave energy test facility about six nautical miles off the coast of newport ore. Wave power is distinct from tidal power which captures the energy of the current caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon waves and tides are also distinct from ocean.
The oceans and seas constitute about 70 of the earth s surface area so they act as a large reservoir of solar energy. The waves that animate the surface of the oceans represent a deposit of renewable energy that for the most part is still unexploited today. The pacific marine energy center has been awarded 40 million in funding to build the first u s. Wave energy is a blend of both kinetic and gravitational potential energy of ocean waves created as a result of the wind blowing over the surface.
Waves kinetic and potential energy associated with ocean waves can be harnessed using modular technologies.