WAVE POWER

INTRODUCTION
 Wave power is the transport of energy by ocean surface waves, and the capture of that energy

to do useful work – for example, electricity generation, water desalination, or the pumping of
water (into reservoirs).

 A machine able to exploit wave power is generally known as a wave energy converter (WEC).

 Differential warming of the earth causes pressure differences in the atmosphere, which

generate winds.
INTRODUCTION
 As winds move across the surface of open bodies of water, they transfer some of their energy

to the water and create waves.

 As long as the waves propagate slower than the wind speed just above the waves, there is an

energy transfer from the wind to the waves.

 Both air pressure differences between the upwind and the lee side of a wave crest, as well as

friction on the water surface by the wind, making the water to go into the shear stress causes
the growth of the waves.
 Wave height is determined by wind speed, the duration of time the wind has been blowing,

fetch (the distance over which the wind excites the waves) and by the depth and topography of
the seafloor (which can focus or disperse the energy of the waves).

 A given wind speed has a matching practical limit over which time or distance will not

produce larger waves. When this limit has been reached the sea is said to be "fully developed".
In general, larger waves are more powerful but wave power is also determined by wave speed,
wavelength, and water density.
 We can use a variety of different Wave Energy Devices to harness the energy produced by the

oceans waves.

 The problem lies in that the oscillatory frequency of an ocean wave is relatively slow and is

much less than the hundreds of revolutions per minute required for electric power generation.

 Then a great variety of wave energy devices and designs are available to convert these slow-

acting, reversing wave forces into the high speed, unidirectional rotation of a generator shaft.
TYPES OF WAVES
 These are deep water and shallow-water waves.

Note: D = water depth; L = wavelength

 Deepwater waves occur when water depth is greater than 1/2 wavelength (D > 1/2 L)

 Shallow-water waves occur when water depth is less than 1/20 wavelength (D < 1/20 L)
WAVE ENERGY DEVICES USED IN
CONVERTING WAVE POWER INTO ELECTRIC
POWER
1. Wave Profile Devices: These are wave energy devices which turn the oscillating height of the ocean‘s surface

into mechanical energy.

WAVE PROFILE DEVICES
 Most types of wave profile devices float on the surface absorbing the wave energy in all

directions by following the movements of waves at or near the sea surface, just like a float.

 If the physical size of the wave profile device is very small compared to the periodic length of

the wave, this type of wave energy device is called a "point absorber”.

 If the size of the device is larger or longer than the typical periodic wavelength, it is called a

"linear absorber", but more commonly they are collectively known as "wave attenuators".
 A linear absorber (wave attenuator) floats on the surface of the water. It is tied to the ocean

floor so that it can swing perpendicularly towards the incoming waves.

 This device is an of long multi-segment floating/semi-submerged cylindrical structure

composed of several sections connected by hinged joints. As the waves pass, the segments
move with the waves, but are resisted somewhat by hydraulics. The movement of the
hydraulics pressurizes oil, which is pumped into hydraulic motors that power electric
generators.
OSCILLATING WATER
COLUMNS
 Oscillating Water Columns: These are wave energy devices which convert the energy of the

waves into air pressure.

OSCILLATING WATER
COLUMNS
 The Oscillating Water Column, (OWC) consist of a partly submerged hollow chamber fixed

directly at the shoreline which converts wave energy into air pressure.

 The structure used to capture the waves energy could be a natural cave with a blow hole or a

man-made chamber or duct with a wind turbine generator located at the top well above the
water‘s surface.
OSCILLATING WATER
COLUMNS
 The constant ebbing and flowing motion of the waves forces the trapped water inside the

chamber to oscillate in the vertical up-down direction.

 The air above the surface of the water is compressed and decompressed by this movement

every cycle. The air is channeled through a wind turbine generator to produce electricity.
WAVE CAPTURE DEVICES
 Wave Capture Devices. These are wave energy devices which convert the energy of the waves

into potential energy.

WAVE CAPTURE DEVICES
 A Wave Capture Device also known as an Overtopping Wave Power Device. It is a device that

captures the movements of the tides and waves and converts it into potential energy.

 Wave energy is converted into potential energy by lifting the water up onto a higher level. Sea

water is captured and impounded at a height above sea level creating a low head situation
which is then drained out through a reaction turbine.
ADVANTAGES
 No costs for Energy.

 No waste products.

 Significant amount of energy can be produced.

 Low running costs.

 Helps to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources

DISADVANTAGES
 Variable energy supply
 Suitable location, where strong waves occur required
 Could be noisy
 Equipment should be strong to stand against rough weather
 High initial capital costs
 Visual effect if near land, this could affect tourism as well
 Can harm the marine ecosystem
 More expensive for the average consumer compared to energy generated from non-renewable
resources