How Powerful Is Wave Energy?

There is a lot of energy available from the ocean.

Ocean waves are a great source of renewable energy. Harnessing that energy and bringing it onshore can be difficult due to weather conditions. Installations must be able to generate electricity from small waves as well as large swells created during storms. Various approaches have been taken to exploit this natural resource.

Shoreline Solution

The LIMPET (Land Installed Marine Powered Energy Transformer) is a small-scale solution for generating electricity in areas exposed to high winds and strong waves. Installed on the small Scottish island of Islay and using the principle of an oscillating water column, the LIMPET can generate 500 kilowatts of electricity feeding into the national grid.

Semi-Submersible

Pelamis Wave Power Ltd., based in Scotland and Portugal, has developed the Wave Energy Converter (WEC) as semi-submersible, articulated cylindrical structures linked together by hinged joints into a chain 180 meters long. Energy is generated through the wave-induced motion of the joints, linked to hydraulic motors driving electrical generators. The machines are rated at 750 kilowatts, enough to power 500 homes.

Seabed Anchored

A larger scale development is Aquamarine Power's Oyster, which is a buoyant, hinged flap almost entirely underwater and secured to the ocean floor half a kilometer from the shore. Movement of the flap drives hydraulic pistons which push water under high pressure to an onshore hydro-electric turbine.

References

• darvill.clara.net: Energy Resources: Wave power
• Voith Hydro Wavegen Limited: Limpet
• Pelamis Wave Power: Pelamis WEC
• Aquamarine Power: Oyster Wave Power -- How it Works