Wave Power Flashcards
State the three principal categories of wave power device and give an example of each.
Describe one advantage and limitation of each.
Passive, Relative Motion and Oscillating Water Column.
Passive: Wave Dragon. Arms amplify incoming waves which spill over into a central chamber, water is gravity fed through generator and fed back to the sea. Advantage: Plethora of suitable sites. Limitation: If deployed in waters that are not deep enough, waves have reduced power.
Relative Motion: Slater’s Duck. Angular motion between ‘duck’ and spine actuates hydraulic pumps for power take off. Advantage: Each section can take up its own angualr position relative to the waves - harnessing more power. Limitation: Suited to areas of coastline with very powerful waves - limited locations. Would work in Scotland better than American coatsline.
OWC: Norweigian OWC. Concrete chamber topped by steel tubular tower which housed the turbine and generator. Column had annular space for air flow to the turbine. Advantage: Moving parts housed outside of the water for a greater turbine lifetime. Limitation: Could be considered an eye-sore as it is built on the shoreline.
