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Wave Power :water_polo: - Coggle Diagram
Wave Power
:water_polo:
Friction of winds blowing over water creates waves
Kinetic energy of the vertical movement of water can be harnessed
Locational constraints
Greatest where:
Mean wind velocities are high
Allowing wave height to increase
Winds are consistent in strength and direction
Where there is a long fetch
Distance of open water over which waves can build up
Harnessing wave power
A wide variety of technologies have been proposed/demonstrated
To use the vertical movement of water caused by waves
Competition with well developed technologies delayed development
Point Absorber
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Have a floating structure that rises and falls as waves pass
Attached to a non movement base
Located on seabed or in static deep water
Movement of the floating part turns a generator
Power Buoy
Overtopping/Terminator device
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Breaking waves force water into a storage reservoir
Above sea level
The water flows back to the sea
Passing through a turbine which generates electricity
Sea walls may be used to increase the height of the waves
Increasing the volume of water that enters the reservoir
Wave dragon
Oscillating Wave Surge Convertor
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As waves pass, water moves horizontally and vertically
Producing a cycle
This oscillating movement pushes a flat plate
Which moves pistons to pump fluid over a turbine
Oyster
Surface attenuator wave power
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Hinged floating device
Waves pass - moving sections push and pull pistons
Force fluid over the turbines
Pelamis
Oscillating water column wave power
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Rise and fall of water (as waves pass)
Forces water up and down in a submerged chamber
The air that is forced in and out flows over turbines
Generating electricty
Islay Limpet
Design problems
:red_cross:
Equipment must be able to withstand storms/corrosion
Can be difficult to anchor equipment off stormy coasts/in deep water
May be expensive to transport electricity from isolated areas to consumers
Environmental Impacts
:Warning:
Very limited impacts :check:
Equipment manufacture and installation :green_cross:
Anchoring affects the sea bed :green_cross:
May create new habitats :check: