Waves of energy

Journal Article · Fri May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1981 · Sea Front.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5516864

Smith, F G.W.; Charlier, R H

Possible means for harnessing the energy contained in ocean waves are considered. Problems associated with the low-grade nature of wave energy and the rate at which wave crests approach are pointed out, and simple devices already in use for the supply of energy to bell buoys, whistle buoys and lighted buoys are noted. Attention is then given to wave energy conversion systems based on the focusing of waves onto a narrow ramp leading to a reservoir from which water is released to power a turbine generator: a slightly submerged circular shell which directs waves into its center cavity where waves act to turn a turbine (the Dam-Atoll), a long vertical pipe with an internal valve allowing water to move in an upward direction (the Isaacs wave-energy pump), a turbine located at the bottom of an open-topped pipe (the Masuda buoy), a completely submerged closed air chamber from which runs a large pipe open to the sea, a wave piston which acts by the compression of air to drive a turbine, a massive structure with upper and lower reservoirs (the Russel rectifier), and devices which consist of floating or submerged objects which transfer wave energy to pumps (the Salter duck and Cockerell raft). It is concluded that although wave-powered generators are not likely to become competitive in the near future or provide more than a small portion of world demand, they may be found useful under special conditions.

• OSTI ID: 5516864
• Journal Information: Sea Front.; (United States), Vol. 27
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER
TURBOGENERATORS
PERFORMANCE
WAVE POWER
BUOYS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY CONVERSION
OFFSHORE SITES
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TURBOMACHINERY
WAVE ENERGY CONVERTERS
CONVERSION
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ENERGY SOURCES
MACHINERY
POWER
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
160702* - Tidal Power Plants- Power Conversion Systems