Wave EnergyBy: Kaitlyn Wary

How does it work?• It pretty much consists of a special floating device

(also known as a buoy) which proceeds to rise and fall along with the movement of the waves.

• As the buoy rises and falls, it then converts that motion into mechanical energy, which then drives a generator. Which then provides us with electricity.

• They’re anchored at about 12 miles offshore therefore the electricity will be sent through cables to reach shore.

~• The amount of power generated from wave power

is determined by the height of the waves, how fast the waves move, the length of the waves, and the density of the water where the power generating buoys are positioned.

• As of today, technology that could efficiently harness wave energy still needs more development and improvement.

The Pelamis • This device takes more advantage of the swells of a wave.• Basically, it’s cut into semi-submerged sections, like a

submarine cut into pieces, and the wave action makes the it bend between the sections.

• The bending action forces pistons in and out which then pumps high pressure fluid (oil) through hydraulic motors (turbines) which then produces the electricity.

• Power from all the sections are all fed down a cable embedded into the sea bed, which are all connected together.

• Then all the electricity runs through the cables, back to shore.

Advantages

• The energy is free - no fuel needed, no waste produced.

• It’s very clean.

• Once put out to sea, it’s not very expensive to operate and maintain.

• Can produce a great deal of energy.

Disadvantages• Depends on the waves - sometimes you'll get

loads of energy, sometimes almost nothing.

• Needs a suitable site, where waves are consistently strong.

• They must be able to withstand very rough weather.

• At the moment, wave power is currently very expensive to produce.

What creates waves?• 1. Gravity – Which is responsible for low and high tides.

High tide is when it is deepest and low tide is when it’s more shallow. The rise and fall of water level also causes waves to form.

• 2. Wind – (The energy source which ultimately creates waves.) It can very from light to strong, these waves can be as tiny as ripples, or as very large waves, making waters incredibly dangerous.

• 3. Earthquakes – Result from the earth’s plates rubbing together. Just as we stumble or fall during an earthquake, water has the same effect, and reacts with the force.

Major Wave Farms• There are several different wave farms producing

electricity currently.– Portugal – was known to have opened the first wave

power farm. (Obtaining several Pelamis machines)– The North Coast of England (Obtaining a wave hub)– Scotland (Obtaining several Pelamis machines)– The West Coast of Australia

• As the technology becomes cheaper, more wave farms will begin to emerge.

Work Cited

• http://home.clara.net/darvill/altenerg/wave.htm• http://ocsenergy.anl.gov/guide/wave/index.cfm• http://www.tech-faq.com/how-does-wave-power-

work.shtml• http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/

homeschooling_science_fun/74467• http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/04/

wave_power_alte_1.php• http://www.pelamiswave.com/content.php?

id=161