Wave Power
Features
Kinetic energy of the vertical movement of water
Waves are caused by wind.
Conditions
Higher wind speeds, or consistent winds can lead to higher waves
Wind direction is also important- if there is a long fetch- this leads to higher waves.
Fetch = the distance of open water over which the wind blows.
New Technology
There has been little development as there is a lack of funding and there is a great deal of competition with already established ideas.
Advantages
Renewable
No GHG once functional
Could create new habitats
Disadvantages
Anchoring could destory habitats
Manufactoring releases GHGs
Can be hard to anchor in deep waters or stormy weather
Can be expensive to transport electricity to consumers
Oscillating water column wave power
Oscillating wave surge converter
Surface attenuator wave power
Point Absorber wave power
Overtopping device wave power
As waves pass they create a cycle moving vertically and horizontally. This then moves the pistons which pumps fluid over the turbines and generates electricity.
This is a hinged floating device. As the waves move up and down the pistons move and fluid is passed over turbines.
The rise and fall of the water moves the water in the chamber and air is pushed up and across the turbines.
Breaking waves force water up to above sea level and then excess is pushed passs turbines.
The upward and downward movement pushes the block up and down, this turns a generator. For stability it is anchored to the sea bed.