Wave Energy Kate Riley Energy Alternatives Spring 2007

Physical Properties of Waves  Waves are created by wind passing over large bodies of water.  Waves are measured by their: Height (H) Height (H) Wavelength(λ) Wavelength(λ) Frequency (v) Frequency (v) Period (T) Period (T)

Development of Wave Energy  North Atlantic has highest potential  Most development along European coast  Estimated 30GW-80GW in UK alone  Worldwide estimates 2 TW or 17,500TWh/yr

Development of Wave Technology  Leaders in researching and investing in wave technology: UK UK Norway Norway Japan Japan Rep. of Ireland Rep. of Ireland Australia Australia Indonesia Indonesia

What does it take?  High average wave energy  Persistent waves  Deep water close to shore (decreases frictional energy loss)  Small tidal range (<1m)  Conducive natural coastline

Does Belize have what it takes?  There is currently no wave technology operating or being researched in Central America  Belize is a poor candidate in spite of having an extensive coastline  Coastline is sheltered by reef and islands  Shallow water is not ideal

Devices are classified by two criteria: Location: fixed to seabed floating offshore tethered …and Orientation: terminatorsattenuators point absorbers

Oscillating Water Column (OWC) 1. An artificial gully is constructed 2. Water acts as a column, rising and falling with the waves 3. This draws water in and out of the top chamber and acts as a piston to drive the turbine

Tapered Channel (TAPCHAN) 1. Waves are funneled into a tapered channel 2. Their height increases until they spill into an elevated reservoir 3. Water turns turbine as it is returned down the gradient into the ocean

Wells Turbine  Self-rectifying: can accept airflow in either direction  Similar to horizontal- axis wind turbines  Eliminates need for gearbox because of increased speed potential (increases energy captured)

The Ups…  Very small environmental impact No chemical or noise pollutionNo chemical or noise pollution Low visibilityLow visibility Do not interfere with migrating fishDo not interfere with migrating fish Can create a haven for marine lifeCan create a haven for marine life  Small impact on shipping and marine industries  Floating devices will not impact coastal environment

…and the Downs  May alter coastline and concrete structures must be removed at end of operation  Insignificant amounts of greenhouse gases released  Intermittent resource  Expensive to install and maintain  Damage is frequent due to violent storms  Cables from offshore devices to transmit energy are needed

Is it worth the trouble?  So far most wave technology is theoretical or in the experimental stage  Main costs= installation and maintenance  Devices with high durability and few moving parts are best

¿Preguntas?

Sources  Boylr, Godfrey. Renewable Energy, Power for a Sustainable Future. London, UK. Oxford University Press   02/RE_info/wave%20power.htm 02/RE_info/wave%20power.htm 02/RE_info/wave%20power.htm  und/Wave/TAPCHAN.jpg und/Wave/TAPCHAN.jpg und/Wave/TAPCHAN.jpg  df df df Other Images:   