Types of Wave Energy Converters
There have been many different types of wave power devices that differ dramatically in concept and design in harnessing the energy in waves but now there are only four types that are commonly used in either near-shore, offshore, or far-offshore locations.
Point Absorber-
A floating structure that has a fixed buoy inside a cylinder that rises and falls with the differences in wave height. The bobbing motion propels a hydraulic that then converts the energy into usable electricity. (1)
Pictured (above) Source: Google images (right ) Ocean Power Technology's (OPT) Powerbuoy wave generation system. Source:BOEM
Point Absorber-
A floating structure that has a fixed buoy inside a cylinder that rises and falls with the differences in wave height. The bobbing motion propels a hydraulic that then converts the energy into usable electricity. (1)
Pictured (above) Source: Google images (right ) Ocean Power Technology's (OPT) Powerbuoy wave generation system. Source:BOEM
Attenuators-
A long floating structure with multiple segments connected together floats parallel with the waves and acts in a similar concept as the point absorber, flexing as differing wave heights occur. The segments then drive a hydraulic pump, or other energy converter, that is connected to. Electricity is then feed from a transformer held in the nose of the structure to a cable in the ocean floor to the shore to be put onto the grid.(1)
A long floating structure with multiple segments connected together floats parallel with the waves and acts in a similar concept as the point absorber, flexing as differing wave heights occur. The segments then drive a hydraulic pump, or other energy converter, that is connected to. Electricity is then feed from a transformer held in the nose of the structure to a cable in the ocean floor to the shore to be put onto the grid.(1)
Oscillating water column/ terminator
A partially submerged structure which allows water forced by waves to enter and accumulate in an enclosed compartment through an input port below the surface. As the water pressure builds, air is forced out through the top of the structure which turns a turbine. (1)
Pictured (right): Oscillating Water Column Terminator device located off the coast of Australia by Oceanlinx Moored. Source: BOEM
A partially submerged structure which allows water forced by waves to enter and accumulate in an enclosed compartment through an input port below the surface. As the water pressure builds, air is forced out through the top of the structure which turns a turbine. (1)
Pictured (right): Oscillating Water Column Terminator device located off the coast of Australia by Oceanlinx Moored. Source: BOEM
Over Topping Devices
Long structures located onshore or floating off shore. Over Toppers use the velocity of waves to fill an attached reservoir to a higher level than the wave. This excess height is captured in the turbines to generate power through a cable.(1)
Long structures located onshore or floating off shore. Over Toppers use the velocity of waves to fill an attached reservoir to a higher level than the wave. This excess height is captured in the turbines to generate power through a cable.(1)
(1) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Ocean Wave Energy. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2015, from http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Renewable-Energy-Guide/Ocean-Wave-Energy.aspx
Page created by: Miranda Thompson
Page created by: Miranda Thompson