Wave Power Harnessing The Ocean

Wikpedia® describes wave power like this:.

Wave power is the capture of energy of wind waves to do useful work – for example, electricity generation, water desalination, or pumping water. A machine that exploits wave power is a wave energy converter (WEC).

Wave power is distinct from tidal power, which captures the energy of the current caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon. Waves and tides are also distinct from ocean currents which are caused by other forces including breaking waves, wind, the Coriolis effect, cabbeling, and differences in temperature and salinity.

Every ocean and large lakes such as the great lakes have waves. It is a simple concept: Wind blows over the water and waves form. The wave power itself has much more density in it's potential KW generation. As an example a wind generator has1 kW/m2 at 12 m/s. Whereas a wave has 25 kW/m2.

Wave power could potentially produce 2.64 trillion kilowatthours This represents 64% of the U.S. energy consumption

The tremendous potential is offset by the tremendous cost but as technologies progress and methods improve this clean energy source could solve a huge deficit we could be facing when the oil all runs dry.

How It Works

Many different methods and technologies for capturing and converting wave energy to electricity are under development. These methods include placing devices on or just below the surface of the water and anchoring devices to the ocean floor.

One way to harness wave energy is to bend or focus waves into a narrow channel to increase their size and power and to spin the turbines that generate electricity. Waves can also be channeled into a catch basin or reservoir where the water flows to a turbine at a lower elevation, similar to the way a hydropower dam operates.

Right now wave energy is where wind energy was three decades ago. No significant large scale wave power producing facilities actually work successfully. There are a few like off the shore of Portugal, Scotland, and Australia; all of which use different methods. The front runner in these methods has yet to emerge.

The cost is high and the salt water is hard on equipment. Some systems anchor to the floor of the ocean and others bob up and down without constraint. We are a long ways from being able to capitalize on this amazing energy source but the potential is exponential for giving us a clean environmentally sound and sustainable energy source.

We have the capacity, the technology, the capability and for the most part the desire to provide all our energy needs from clean alternative energy sources. What we don't have is the power to make these changes on a global scale. The oil companies and energy providers have it. The only way we can make a significant difference is to get involved and make our voices heard. If you would like to get involved with like minded people and make your voice heard then sign up today by following this link and we will hook you up with people in your own community who want to make a difference and protect our planet and leave a sustainable future for generations to come.