1. Wave Energy Solar Radiation  Wind  Waves Wave Size Factors
Winds
Turbulent Air Flow
Shear Stress on Surface of Water
Wind Flow on Upwind Wave Faces
Solar Radiation  Wind  Waves
Wave Size Factors
Wind Speed
Wind Duration
Distance Over Which Wave Travels

2. Wave Energy The energy resource available: (W per m of crest)
= density of water T = period of wave (s)
H = wave height (m)
Swells formed by storms can travel great distances. Power is lost when water depth < 200 m. Wave has 1/3 of original power when water depth reaches 20 m.

3. Wave Energy Magnitude of the Resource:
In U.S., approximately 2,100 TW-hr is available at a depth of 60 m offshore.
Current U.S. electrical use 11,200 TW-hr
Technologies
Terminators – Perpendicular to waves
Attenuators – Parallel to waves
Point Absorber – Small floating device
Overtopping – Reservoir (above avg. ocean level) filled by waves, turbines

4. Oscillating Water Column (OWC)
Wave Energy
Oscillating Water Column (OWC)

5. The 500 kW LIMPET OWC, New Zealand
Wave Energy
The 500 kW LIMPET OWC, New Zealand

6. Wave Energy

7. Wave Energy Pelamis (Sea Snake)
Accumulated Fluid Drives Turbines, Generators
Hydraulic Rams Pump High Pressure Fluid

8. The 750 kW Pelamis Wave Energy Converter, Portugal

9. Wave Energy

10. Wave Energy

11. Wave Energy

15. Wave Energy Environmental Considerations Visual appearance
Reduction in wave height
Marine habitat
Toxic releases – hydraulic fluids
Conflict with other sea space users – Shipping, fishing, recreational boating
Installation, decommissioning

16. Wave Energy Benefits Challenges Waves = Concentrated Solar Energy
Demand in Phase with Availability (Winter)
Low/No Chemical Pollution
Low Visual Pollution (Offshore)
Large Potential Resource
Challenges
Electricity Transmission
Immature Technology
Potential Shipping, Boating Accidents