30-05-2013, 12:53 PM
Ocean Wave Energy
Ocean Wave.ppt (Size: 123 KB / Downloads: 97)
3 basic systems for ocean wave energy devices
1. Channel systems that funnel waves into reservoirs
2. Float systems that drive hydraulic pumps
3. Oscillating water column systems that use waves to compress air within a container
mechanical power either directly activates a generator, or transfers to a working fluid, water or air, which then drives a turbine/generator
Technological statusof wave energy
Ocean energy today is where wind energy was in 1974
Many devices have been invented, only some tested and evaluated, only a few tested at sea (most in wave tanks)
Since 1855: 1000 patents
Some are already tested in the field (e.g. Island of Islay in Scotland, LIMPET (Land-Installed Marine Powered Energy Transformer) – 500 kW – sufficient for 400 homes)
Locations of ocean wave energy devices
The western coastline has the highest wave potential in the US (Northern CA)
Floating or completely submerged
Offshore or onshore, on the seabed
Most of prototypes have been places at or near shore
Wave power at deep sea ocean sites have 3-8 times more the wave power than coastal sites (but more expensive)
Funding for Ocean Wave Energy
limited research due to the lack of federal funding
European Union funds Ocean wave energy since 1992 with a total Euro 9.5 for 9 years
Investment by both public and private sectors is essential
investment costs of 820 billion Euro
Benefits of Ocean Wave Energy
Why better than other renewable energies
Available 24/7 on 365 days - therefore power produced from them is much steadier and more predictable – waves can be accurately predicted 48 hours in advance and therefore forecast energy output (BUT irregularity in wave ampitude, and direction)
Good data on waves from wave monitoring bouys
Wave energy contains 1000 times the kinetic energy of wind (can produce the same amount of power in less space)