1. Calculating Wave Power
Ocean Resources

2. Power associated with Waves can be harnessed to produce a renewable source of energy
Pelamis and Wave Power

3. Wave power equation
P = 0.5 x H2 x T (kW/m)

4. Student Calculations

5. Meaning…we get 36 kW of power
Example Step 1: consider moderate ocean swells with a wave height (H) of 3m and a wave period (T) of 8s. Using the formula to solve for power (P), we get…
P = 0.5 x H2 x T (kW/m)
So…
0.5 x 32 x 8 = 36 kw/m
Meaning…we get 36 kW of power
per meter of wavefront

6. Picture from previous lecture…
Wave fronts approach a shore at a slight angle

7. Step 2: calculate kW of power 36 kW/m x 50 m = 1800 kW
Completing the calculation…if we had an incoming wave with a 50 m wavefront—it would produce 1800 kW worth of power—or 1,800,000 watts of power—enough power to support 30, watt light bulbs (LB) for one hour!!
Step 2: calculate kW of power
36 kW/m x 50 m = 1800 kW
Step 3: convert kW to watts (w)
1800 kW x 1000w/1kW = 1,800,000 w
Step 4: one LB uses 60w of energy
So…1,800,000 w/60 w = 30,000 LB

8. Data Resources
National Data Buoy System
WindyTV