Wave Energy

Technology

Why explore wave power in Hawaii?

Wave Energy Levels (kW/m of Wave Front)

Formula used to calculate this Power (in kW/m) = k H T ~ 0.5 H T k = constant, H = wave height (crest to trough) in meters, and

Overview
What is wave power? Wave energy

conversion systems (WECS) Types of energy Physics of water power Benefits & Challenges Wave Energy Technology (WET) in Hawaii

PowerBuoy

What is Wave Power?

energy of ocean surface Wave power is the ________ waves and the capture of that energy to do work - including electricity useful _______ generation, desalination and the pumping of water. renewable energy. Wave power is a form of __________ Tidal power and ocean currents are other sources of ocean hydro-electric power.

Wave Energy Conversion Systems (WECS)

1. Oscillating Water Columns (OWC)
- generate electricity from the wave-driven rise and fall of water in a cylindrical shaft. The rising and falling water column drives air into and out of the top of the shaft, powering an airdriven turbine.

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Wave Energy Conversion Systems (WECS)

2. Wave Surge or Focusing Devices
- These shoreline devices, also called "tapered channel" or "TAPCHAN" systems, rely on a shoremounted structure to channel and concentrate the waves, driving them into an elevated reservoir. Water flow out of this reservoir is used to generate electricity, using standard hydropower technologies.

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Wave Energy Conversion Systems (WECS)

3. Floats or Pitching Devices - These devices generate electricity from the bobbing or pitching action of a floating object. The object can be mounted to a floating raft or to a device fixed on the ocean floor.

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Archimedes Wave Swing

Which is it?
1.Oscillating Water column?
2.Wave Surge/Focuser? 3. Float/Pitch Device?

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Which is it?
1.Oscillating Water column?
2.Wave Surge/Focuser? 3. Float/Pitch Device?
Wavegen created the Limpet the worlds 1st wave power station. It is in Islay, Scotland.
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Which system are these devices?

Pelamis
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WaveRoller

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None of the above!

Salter Duck

WaveDragon

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The Physics of Hydro-Electric Power

Key physics concepts: energy, power & work

What is Bernoullis Principle? (hint: think about conservation of energy) How might engineers apply it to wave energy?

Types of energy in a fixed wave power generator

Where in this diagram do each of the following energy types occur?

wave energy mechanical energy pneumatic energy electrical energy

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Wave Power: Benefit or Challenge?

Portable, modular design
Noise

Pollution
Cost-saving potential

Maintenance
Site specifications

Abundance of resource Appearance of device Marine life effects Fishing & recreation Installation & development cost Coastal erosion Sustainability

Hawaiis PowerBuoy
Cylindrical, Steel Buoy
Diameter - 4.5 to 5 meters. Length 12 to 20 meters. Mass 35 to 55 tons.

Operates 1.0 - 4.0 meters below surface. Average System Output: 20 kW Peak Output: 45-50 kW Mooring:
Rigid spar buoy with universal joint at base. Deadweight anchor rock bolted into the substrate provides up to 100-ton holding force.

Kaneohe Marine Corps Base WET Project

The PowerBuoy is

low-cost, efficient, and readily deployable electric power that can reduce costs at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base & similar naval sites
Subsea cable installation

Issues KMCB had to address

Shoreline Conditions Oceanographic Conditions Infrastructure Impacts Recreation Impacts Public Safety Cultural considerations

Subsea Cable Installation

Possible Environmental Issues

Alien Invasive Species Entanglement Entrapment Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Electrical leakage Heat generation and release Noise

Diver Working on Plate Installation for Biological Monitoring

Historic Preservation structure eligible for listing in National

Register of Historic Places Cultural Consideration Ancient Hawaiian Burial Ground

Hawaiian Blessing of Site

Cable and Vault Located Above Ground

Researchers found Environmental Advantages

No fuel
Absence of CO2 emissions, radiation, and particulate

matter No waste or disposal requirements No danger of spillage or other environmental damage

No negative impact on marine life

can encourage growth

Live coral areas avoided Minimal aesthetic impact No noise pollution No visual pollution
Anchor Box

Goals of WET in Hawaii

Develop and Validate Technology Demonstrate reliability and cost effectiveness
Demonstrate feasibility of combining power
Anchor Installation

from a multi-buoy array