Wave Power Flashcards
How are waves created?
By the friction of winds blowing over water
Where is the kinetic energy of waves highest?
Mean wind velocities are high and winds are consistent in strength and direction to allow wave height to increase
Where there is a long ‘fetch’- distance of open water for waves to build up
What technologies have been proposed or demonstrated to harness wave power? (5)
Point absorber
Overtopping/terminator device
Oscillating wave surge converter
Surface attenuator wave power
Oscillation water column wave power
How does the point absorber work/harness wave power?
They have a floating structure that rises and falls as waves pass
It is attached to non-moving base located on seabed or in static deep water
The movement of the floating part turns a generator
How does an overtopping/terminator device work/harness wave power?
Breaking waves force water into a storage reservoir above sea level
The water flows back to sea passing through a turbine to generate electricity
How can the volume of water that enters the reservoirs in overtopping/terminator devices be maximised?
Using sea walls to increase the height of waves so more reaches the reservoirs
How do Oscillating wave surge converters work/harness wave power?
As waves pass, water moves horizontally & vertically to produce a cycle
The oscillations push a flat plat
This moves pistons to pump fluid over a turbine to generate electricity
How do surface attenuator wave powers work/harness wave power?
It is a hinged floating device
As waves pass, the moving sections push and pull pistons which force fluid over a turbine to generate electricity
How does Oscillating water column wave power work/harness wave power?
The 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 electricity
Why has the development of wave power technology been delayed?
Their competing with well established energy technologies
What design problems face wave power technologies?
Equipment must withstand storms and corrosion
It can be difficult to anchor equipment off stormy coasts or in deep water
It might be expensive to transport electricity from these isolated areas
What are the environmental impacts of wave power?
They have limited impacts
There is some in the manufacture and installation of equipment as there is in all energy systems
Anchoring equipment can affect seabeds but also provide new habitats
