Multi Function Wave Energy Devices
Multi Function Wave Energy Devices
Environmental Considerations
Positive or negative impacts on marine habitat (depending on the nature of additional submerged surfaces, above-water platforms, and changes in the seafloor) Toxic releases from leaks or accidental spills of liquids used in those systems with working hydraulic fluids
Visual and noise impacts (device-specific, with considerable variability in visible freeboard height and noise generation above and below the water surface) Conflict with other sea space users, such as commercial shipping and recreational boating
Ocean wave energy is captured directly from surface waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface.
Waves are caused by the wind blowing over the surface of the ocean. In many areas of the world, the wind blows with enough consistency and force to provide continuous waves. There is tremendous energy in the ocean waves. Wave power devices extract energy directly from the surface motion of ocean waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface. Wave power varies considerably in different parts of the world, and wave energy cannot be harnessed effectively everywhere.
The Aguadoura Wave Farm was the world's first wave farm (Nov 2008). It was located 5 km offshore near Pvoa de Varzim north of Oporto in Portugal. The farm was designed to use three Pelamis wave energy converters to convert the motion of the ocean surface waves into electricity, totalling to 2.25MW installed capacity.
Terminator devices extend perpendicular to the direction of wave travel and capture or reflect the power of the wave. These devices are typically onshore or near shore; however, floating versions have been designed for offshore applications.
The oscillating water column is a form of terminator in which water enters through a subsurface opening into a chamber with air trapped above it. The wave action causes the captured water column to move up and down like a piston to force the air though an opening connected to a turbine.
Source: Ocean Power Delivery, Ltd.
Attenuators are long multi-segment floating structures oriented parallel to the direction of the waves. The differing heights of waves along the length of the device causes flexing where the segments connect, and this flexing is connected to hydraulic pumps or other converters.
Overtopping devices have reservoirs that are filled by incoming waves to levels above the average surrounding ocean. The water is then released, and gravity causes it to fall back toward the ocean surface. The energy of the falling water is used to turn hydro turbines. Specially built seagoing vessels can also capture the energy of offshore waves. These floating platforms create electricity by funneling waves through internal turbines and then back into the sea.
Prototype Overtopping Device Wave Dragon
Surge Drive is an innovative wave power technology which harnesses the energy of ocean waves to produce calm water around the structure , electricity or desalinated water.
http://ocsenergy.anl.gov/guide/wave/index.cfm
How it works?
Surge Drive wave farm, the drives move in oscillation and the system transfers the pure wave forces out of the water, via tension transfer elements the energy conversion module is able to use these forces to generate electricity or desalinated water, using an innovative mixture of design and 'off the shelf' components. This dramatically simplifies the capture of wave energy because most components are above water and underwater components are minimized and simplified.
Stable water
Floating material
Inside view
SALIENT FEATURES High Power Extraction: The floating modules are in the high energy surface region and can adjust for optimal generation with changing tide and storm surge levels. Low Capital & Maintenance Costs: The higher maintenance components of the Surge Drive system are out of the water resulting in significantly reduced capital and maintenance costs. Storm Survivability: During extreme storm conditions, the Surge Drive control system automatically repositions the buoyancy modules to avoid storm damage and yet enable the continued generation of power.
ADVANTAGES: Less expensive, corrosion resistant material Maintenance costs is very low The system is not only survive storms but it is capable to generate electricity due to its mechanical action. Storm survivability system easy to make water stable around the offshore structures. System provides conversion of energy like wave to mechanical energy and mechanical energy to electrical energy DISADVANTAGES: the system disturbs the ocean environment Implementation requires skilled labours
CONCLUSION:
Due to Human Habitat and the connected activities thereon have created ECOLOGICAL IMBALANCE.
As the Non - Renewable Energy source depletion and energy demand increasing alarmingly newer and newer methods to harness all available sources of Renewable and Sustainable Energy is given impetus and prime importance.
Wave Energy is one such source to effectively harness. Although Wave Energy has tremendous potential still all conversion methods are in the Pilot Study Stage Only.
Acknowledgement
Materials have been freely taken from the Internet and other Proprietary Sources. I totally acknowledge with gratitude to the authors and companies here. Aqua gen Site:[email protected]