Wave power

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Jump to: navigation, search This article is about transport and capture of energy in ocean waves. For other aspects of waves in the ocean, see Wind wave. For other uses of wave or waves, see Wave (disambiguation).
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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). Machinery able to exploit wave power is generally known as a wave energy converter (WEC). Wave power is distinct from the diurnal flux of tidal power and the steady gyre of ocean currents. Wave power generation is not currently a widely employed commercial technology although there have been attempts at using it since at least 1890.[1] In 2008, the first experimental wave farm was opened in Portugal, at the Aguadoura Wave Park.
[2]

Physical concepts

When an object bobs up and down on a ripple in a pond, it experiences an elliptical trajectory.

Motion of a particle in an ocean wave. A = At deep water. The orbital motion of fluid particles decreases rapidly with increasing depth below the surface. B = At shallow water (ocean floor is now at B). The elliptical movement of a fluid particle flattens with decreasing depth. 1 = Propagation direction. 2 = Wave crest. 3 = Wave trough. Waves are generated by wind passing over the surface of the sea. 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.[3] 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. Oscillatory motion is highest at the surface and diminishes exponentially with depth. However, for standing waves (clapotis) near a reflecting coast, wave energy is also present as pressure oscillations at great depth, producing microseisms.[3] These pressure fluctuations at greater depth are too small to be interesting from the point of view of wave power. The waves propagate on the ocean surface, and the wave energy is also transported horizontally with the group velocity. The mean transport rate of the wave energy through a vertical plane of unit width, parallel to a wave crest, is called the wave energy flux (or wave power, which must not be confused with the actual power generated by a wave power device).

[edit] Wave power formula

In deep water where the water depth is larger than half the wavelength, the wave energy flux is[A 1]

with P the wave energy flux per unit of wave-crest length, Hm0 the significant wave height, T the wave period, the water density and g the acceleration by gravity. The above formula states that wave power is proportional to the wave period and to the square of the wave height. When the significant wave height is given in meters, and the wave period in seconds, the result is the wave power in kilowatts (kW) per meter of wavefront length.[4][5][6] Example: Consider moderate ocean swells, in deep water, a few kilometers off a coastline, with a wave height of 3 meters and a wave period of 8 seconds. Using the formula to solve for power, we get

meaning there are 36 kilowatts of power potential per meter of coastline.

In major storms, the largest waves offshore are about 15 meters high and have a period of about 15 seconds. According to the above formula, such waves carry about 1.7 MW of power across each meter of wavefront. An effective wave power device captures as much as possible of the wave energy flux. As a result the waves will be of lower height in the region behind the wave power device.

[edit] Wave energy and wave energy flux

In a sea state, the average energy density per unit area of gravity waves on the water surface is proportional to the wave height squared, according to linear wave theory:[3][7]

[A 2][8]

where E is the mean wave energy density per unit horizontal area (J/m2), the sum of kinetic and potential energy density per unit horizontal area. The potential energy density is equal to the kinetic energy,[3] both contributing half to the wave energy density E, as can be expected from the equipartition theorem. In ocean waves, surface tension effects are negligible for wavelengths above a few decimetres. As the waves propagate, their energy is transported. The energy transport velocity is the group velocity. As a result, the wave energy flux, through a vertical plane of unit width perpendicular to the wave propagation direction, is equal to:[9][3]

with cg the group velocity (m/s). Due to the dispersion relation for water waves under the action of gravity, the group velocity depends on the wavelength , or equivalently, on the wave period T. Further, the dispersion relation is a function of the water depth h. As a result, the group velocity behaves differently in the limits of deep and shallow water, and at intermediate depths:[3][7] [show]Properties of gravity waves on the surface of deep water, shallow water and at intermediate depth, according to linear wave theory

[edit] Deep water characteristics and opportunities

Deep water corresponds with a water depth larger than half the wavelength, which is the common situation in the sea and ocean. In deep water, longer period waves propagate faster and transport their energy faster. The deep-water group velocity is half the phase velocity. In shallow water, for wavelengths larger than twenty times the water depth, as found quite often near the coast, the group velocity is equal to the phase velocity.[10] The regularity of deep-water ocean swells, where "easy-to-predict long-wavelength oscillations" are typically seen, offers the opportunity for the development of energy harvesting technologies that are potentially less subject to physical damage by near-shore cresting waves.[11]

[edit] History
The first known patent to utilize energy from ocean waves dates back to 1799 and was filed in Paris by Girard and his son.[12] An early application of wave power was a device constructed around 1910 by Bochaux-Praceique to light and power his house at Royan, near Bordeaux in France.[13] It appears that this was the first Oscillating Water Column type of wave energy device.[14] From 1855 to 1973 there were already 340 patents filed in the UK alone.[12] Modern scientific pursuit of wave energy was however pioneered by Yoshio Masuda's experiments in the 1940s.[15] He has tested various concepts of wave energy devices at sea, with several hundred units used to power navigation lights. Among these was the concept of extracting power from the angular motion at the joints of an articulated raft, which was proposed in the 1950s by Masuda.[16] A renewed interest in wave energy was motivated by the oil crisis in 1973. A number of university researchers reexamined the potential of generating energy from ocean waves, among whom notably were Stephen Salter from the University of Edinburgh, Kjell Budal and Johannes Falnes from Norwegian Institute of Technology (now merged into Norwegian University of Science and Technology), Michael E. McCormick from U. S. Naval Academy, David Evans from Bristol University, Michael French from University of Lancaster, John Newman and Chiang C. Mei from MIT. Stephen Salters 1974 invention became known as Salter's Duck or Nodding Duck, although it was officially referred to as the Edinburgh Duck. In small scale controlled tests, the Duck's curved cam-like body can stop 90% of wave motion and can convert 90% of that to electricity giving 81% efficiency.[17]

In the 1980s, as the oil price went down, wave-energy funding was drastically reduced. Nevertheless, a few first-generation prototypes were tested at sea. More recently, following the issue of climate change, there is again a growing interest worldwide for renewable energy, including wave energy.[18]

[edit] Modern technology

Wave power devices are generally categorized by the method used to capture the energy of the waves, by location and by the power takeoff system. Method types are point absorber or buoy; surfacing following or attenuator oriented parallel to the direction of wave propagation; terminator, oriented perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation; oscillating water column; and overtopping. Locations are shoreline, nearshore and offshore. Types of power take-off include: hydraulic ram, elastomeric hose pump, pump-toshore, hydroelectric turbine, air turbine,[19] and linear electrical generator. Some of these designs incorporate parabolic reflectors as a means of increasing the wave energy at the point of capture. These capture systems use the rise and fall motion of waves to capture energy.[20] Once the wave energy is captured at a wave source, power must be carried to the point of use or to a connection to the electrical grid by transmission power cables.[21] The table contains descriptions of some wave power systems:
Captur Count e Locati Proponen ry of Metho on Device t Origi d Categ n Catego ory ry ProteanT Protean Austra Point- Offsho M Energy Energy lia absorbe re Wave Ltd r waveEnergy buoy Converte device r Power Year take off Annou Categor nced y Direct drive energy conversi on

Notes

2004 The Protean WEC technology is a unique type of wave buoy or point absorber. When deployed, it sits on the ocean surface where the energy density is the highest. The Protean WEC technology works on a buoy and tethering system. The buoy converts relative movement between the static ocean floor and the floating buoy into energy. The innovative tension mooring system uses a combination of cables running from an ocean floor mounted clump weight to the WEC buoy on the ocean surface. The Protean technology has no exposed turbines or moving parts that are dangerous to marine life

Captur Count e Locati Power Year Proponen ry of Metho on take off Device Annou t Origi d Categ Categor nced n Catego ory y ry

Notes

and each unit has a small environmental footprint.

Protean Energy Wave Energy Converter prototype trial being conducted in the ocean off' the coast of Western Australia in 2008. This technology captures wave energy from point absorber buoyancy units and transfers the pure wave forces out of the water via tension transfer elements. The outof-water Energy Conversion Module then converts the wave forces into electricity or desalinated water. This AquaGen technology removes the more SurgeDri Austra Offsho Tension Technolo Buoy 2007 complex equipment of the ve lia re transfer gies system from the water.[22] With less equipment in the water, expensive subsea maintenance is reduced thus reducing the cost of the electricity produced.[23] The system also incorporates a storm survival system whereby the buoyancy units are automatically pulled under the water in a storm. PowerBu Ocean US Buoy Offsho Hydroele 1997 In the United States, the oy Power re ctric Pacific Northwest Generating Technolo turbine Cooperative is funding gies construction of a commercial wave-power park at Reedsport, Oregon that will utilize this technology which consists of modular, oceangoing buoys.[24] The rise and fall of the waves moves hydraulic fluid within the buoy and spins a generator. The electricity is transmitted to shore over a submerged transmission line. A 150 kW

Captur Count e Locati Power Year Proponen ry of Metho on take off Device Annou t Origi d Categ Categor nced n Catego ory y ry

Notes

buoy has a diameter of 36 feet (11 m) and is 145 feet (44 m) tall, with approximately 30 feet of the unit rising above the ocean surface. Using a three-point mooring system, they are designed to be installed one to five miles (8 km) offshore in water 100 to 200 feet (60 m) deep.[25] The Pelamis machine consists of a series of semi-submerged cylindrical sections linked by hinged joints. As waves pass along the length of the machine, the sections move relative to one another. The wave-induced motion of the sections is resisted by hydraulic cylinders which pump high pressure oil through hydraulic motors via smoothing hydraulic accumulators. The hydraulic motors drive electrical generators to produce electricity.[26] Pelamis Wave Surface Pelamis Power first tested and grid Wave Pelamis UK connected a Pelamis machine followi Offsho Hydrauli Energy Wave (Scotti 1998 in 2004 at the European ng re c Converte Power sh) Marine Energy Center.[27] The attenuat r first of a second generation of or machines, the P2 started grid connected tests off Orkney in 2010, the machine is owned by E.ON.[28].

Pelamis prototype machine at EMEC, Scotland in 2004. Wave Erik Friis- Denm Surface Offsho Hydroele 2003 With the Wave Dragon wave Dragon Madsen ark re ctric energy converter large wing followi turbine reflectors focus waves up a ng ramp into an offshore attenuat reservoir. The water returns or to the ocean by the force of gravity via hydroelectric

Captur Count e Locati Power Year Proponen ry of Metho on take off Device Annou t Origi d Categ Categor nced n Catego ory y ry generators.

Notes

Wave Dragon seen from reflector, prototype 1:4 In the early stages of development, the device is a Surface 200 metres (660 ft) long Anacond Checkmat rubber tube which is tethered a Wave Hydroele e followi Offsho underwater. Passing waves Energy UK ctric 2008 SeaEnerg ng re will instigate a wave inside Converte turbine y.[25] attenuat the tube, which will then r or propagates down its walls, driving a turbine at the far end.[29][30] In 2009 Finavera Renewables surrendered its wave energy Finavera Irelan permits from FERC.[27] In Wind dJuly 2010 Finavera Energy, AquaBu Canad Offsho announced that it had entered later SSE Buoy xxx 2003 OY are into a definitive agreement to Renewabl Scotla sell all assets and intellectual es nd property related to the Limited AquaBuOY wave energy technology.[31][32][33][34] A point absorber buoy FlanSea developed for use in the (Flander southern North Sea Hydroele s Belgiu Offsho conditions.[31][32][33] It FlanSea Buoy ctric 2010 Electricit m re works by means of a cable turbine y from that due to the bobbing effect the Sea) of the buoy, generates electricity.[35][36][37] Alvin Smith Nearsh Hydrauli Uses pumping technique to SeaRaser (Dartmout UK Buoy 2008 ore c ram gather wave energy.[38] h Wave Energy) CETO Carnegie Austra Buoy Offsho Pump- 1999 Currently being tested off Wave lia re to-shore Fremantle, Western Australia, Power [35] the device consists of a single piston pump attached to the sea floor with a float (buoy) tethered to the piston.

Captur Count e Locati Power Year Proponen ry of Metho on take off Device Annou t Origi d Categ Categor nced n Catego ory y ry

Notes

Waves cause the float to rise and fall, generating pressurized water, which is piped to an onshore facility to drive hydraulic generators or run reverse osmosis water desalination.[39][40]

CETO Buoyant Actuator during the installation process Unname d Ocean SRI WaveInternatio Powered nal Generato r Electroa ctive Offsho Buoy polymer re artificial muscle A type of wave buoys, built using special polymers, is 2004 being developed by Stanford Research Institute.[41][42] Wavebob have conducted some ocean trials, as well as extensive tank tests. It is an ccean-going heaving buoy, 1999 with a submerged tank which captures additional mass of seawater for added power and tunability, and as a safety feature (Tank "Venting") The wave energy device captures the energy found in nearshore waves and converts it into electricity. The systems consists of a hinged mechanical flap connected to the seabed at around 10m depth. Each passing wave moves the flap which drives 2005 hydraulic pistons to deliver high pressure water via a pipeline to an onshore turbine which generates electricity. In November 2009, the first fullscale demonstrator Oyster began producing power when it was launched at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) on Orkney.[43]

US

Direct Wavebo Irelan Offsho Drive Wavebob Buoy b d re Power Take off

Oscillat Oyster ing wave UK Aquamari wave Nearsh energy (Scots ne Power surge ore converte -Irish) convert r er

Pumpto-shore (hydroelectric turbine)

Captur Count e Locati Power Year Proponen ry of Metho on take off Device Annou t Origi d Categ Categor nced n Catego ory y ry

Notes

In September 2009 completed a 2-year sea trial in one Ocean Irelan Offsho OE buoy Buoy xxx 2006 quarter scale form. The OE Energy d re buoy has only one moving part.[44] Direct driven linear generator placed on the seabed. The generator is connected to a buoy at the surface via a line. The movements of the buoy Linear will drive the translator in the Lysekil Uppsala Swede Offsho Buoy generato 2002 generator. The advantage of Project University n re r this setup is a less complex mechanical system with potentially a smaller need for maintenance. One drawback is a more complicated electrical system.[45][46] An Australian firm is developing this deep-water technology to generate electricity from, ostensibly, easy-to-predict longwavelength ocean swell oscillations. Oceanlinx recently began installation of a third and final Hydroele demonstration-scale, gridOceanlin Austra Offsho Oceanlinx Buoy ctric 1997 connected unit near Port x lia re turbine Kembla, near Sydney, Australia, a 2.5 MWe system that is expected to go online in early 2010, when its power will be connected to the Australian grid. The company's much smaller firstgeneration prototype unit, in operation since 2006, was since disassembled.[11] A breakwater-based wave energy converter, this device is built close to the shore and utilizes the vertical motion of buoys for creating hydraulic pressure which in turn SDE Sea operates the system's SDE Hydroele Waves Inshor generators. In 2010 it began Energy Israel Buoy ctric xxx Power e construction of a new 250 Ltd. turbine Plant kWh model in the port of Jaffa, Tel Aviv and preparing to construct its standing orders for a 100mWh power plants in the islands of Zanzibar and Kosrae, Micronesia.

Captur Count e Locati Power Year Proponen ry of Metho on take off Device Annou t Origi d Categ Categor nced n Catego ory y ry

Notes

WaveRo ller

Wave Star

R38/50k W, R115/15 0kW

The WaveRoller is a plate anchored on the sea bottom Surface by its lower part. The back and forth movement of surge AWFinlan followi Offsho Pumpmoves the plate. The kinetic Energy 1994 d ng re to-shore energy transferred to this Oy attenuat plate is collected by a piston or pump. Full-scale demonstration project built off Portugal in 2009.[47][48] The Wavestar machine draws energy from wave power with floats that rise and fall with the up and down motion of waves. The floats are attached by arms to a platform that stands on legs secured to the sea floor. The motion of the floats is transferred via MultiHydroele hydraulics into the rotation of Wave Star Denm point Offsho ctric 2000 a generator, producing A/S ark absorbe re turbine electricity. Wave Star have r been testing a 1:10 machine since 2005 in Nissum Bredning, Denmark, it was taken out of duty in November 2011. A 1:2 Wave Star machine is place in Hanstholm which has produced electricity to the grid since September 2009.[49] 40South UK Underw Offsho Electrica 2010 These machines work by Energy ater re l extracting energy from the attenuat conversi relative motion between one or on Upper Member and one Lower Member, following an innovative method which earned the company one UKTI Research & Development Award in 2011[50]. A first generation full scale prototype for this solution was tested offshore in 2010[51][52][53], and a second generation full scale prototype was tested offshore during 2011[54]. In 2012 the first units were sold to clients in various countries, for delivery within the year[55][56]. The first reduced scale prototypes were tested offshore during 2007, but the company decided to remain in a "stealth mode" until may 2010[57] and is now

Captur Count e Locati Power Year Proponen ry of Metho on take off Device Annou t Origi d Categ Categor nced n Catego ory y ry

Notes

recognized as one of the technological innovators in the sector [58]. The company initially considered installing at Wave Hub in 2012[59], but that project is on hold for now. The R38/50kW is rated at 50kW while the R115/150kW is rated at 150kW.

[edit] Potential
The realistically usable worldwide resource has been estimated to be greater than 2 TW.[60][61] Locations with the most potential for wave power include the western seaboard of Europe, the northern coast of the UK, and the Pacific coastlines of North and South America, Southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The north and south temperate zones have the best sites for capturing wave power. The prevailing westerlies in these zones blow strongest in winter. Waves are very predictable; waves that are caused by winds can be predicted five days in advance.[citation needed]

[edit] Challenges
There is a potential impact on the marine environment. Noise pollution, for example, could have negative impact if not monitored, although the noise and visible impact of each design varies greatly.[5]. Other biophysical impacts (flora and fauna, sediment regimes and water column structure and flows) of scaling up the technology is being studied.[62] In terms of socio-economic challenges, wave farms can result in the displacement of commercial and recreational fishermen from productive fishing grounds, can change the pattern of beach sand nourishment, and may represent hazards to safe navigation.[63] Waves generate about 2,700 gigawatts of power. Of those 2,700 gigawatts, only about 500 gigawatts can be captured with the current technology.[20]

[edit] Wave farms

Main article: Wave farm

The Aguadoura Wave Farm was the world's first wave farm. It was located 5 km (3 mi) 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 in total installed capacity. The farm first generated electricity in July 2008[64] and was officially opened on the 23rd of September 2008, by the Portuguese Minister of Economy. [65][66] The wave farm was shut down two months after the official opening in November 2008 as a result of the financial collapse of Babcock & Brown due to the global economic crisis. The machines were off-site at this time due to technical problems, and although resolved have not returned to site and were subsequently scrapped in 2011 as the technology had moved on to the P2 variant as supplied to Eon and Scottish Power Renewables.[67] A second phase of the project planned to increase the installed capacity to 21MW using a further 25 Pelamis machines[68] is in doubt following Babcock's financial collapse. Funding for a 3MW wave farm in Scotland was announced on 20 February 2007 by the Scottish Executive, at a cost of over 4 million pounds, as part of a 13 million funding package for marine power in Scotland. The first of 66 machines was launched in May 2010.[69]