A low-cost float method of harnessing wave energy
The author proposes in this paper a low-cost and simple method of harnessing wave energy that should enable coastal regions to be self-sufficient in electric power. The method is eminently applicable to India and such developing countries, being simple and involving a small capital investment. The method was evolved after study of the Indian West Coast fronting the Arabian Sea, and can harness about 50% of the wave energy. A log of wood about 5 metres long and 50 cm. in diameter, having a specific gravity of 0.8 to 0.9, is made to float parallel to the beach and about 50 metres away from it. Its movement is restricted to the vertical plane by means of poles. Two roller chains are attached to the ends of the log which pass over two sprocket free-wheels. When the log is lifted with the crest of the wave, the roller chain moves over the free-wheel. When the trough of the wave reaches the log, its weight is applied to the sprocket wheels through the roller chains. Each sprocket wheel rotates and the rotation is multiplied with a gear wheel. The torque from the high speed spindle of the gear is applied to a small alternating current generator. The AC output from the generator is rectified and used either for charging a battery bank, or connected to the lighting system, or supplied to electrolytic tank for producing hydrogen and other chemicals at the site. A chain of such systems along the coast can supply enough power to light the fishermen's hamlets stretching along the coast.
- Research Organization:
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
- OSTI ID:
- 6507282
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-831205-
- Journal Information:
- Alternative Energy Sources; (United States), Conference: 6. Miami international conference on alternative energy sources, Miami Beach, FL, USA, 12 Dec 1983
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ARABIAN SEA
WAVE POWER
WAVE ENERGY CONVERTERS
DESIGN
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
POWER GENERATION
WOOD
FLOTATION
ANGULAR VELOCITY
COASTAL REGIONS
COASTAL WATERS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ELECTRICITY
GEARS
HOUSES
TORQUE
WATER WAVES
WHEELS
BUILDINGS
ENERGY SOURCES
GRAVITY WAVES
INDIAN OCEAN
MACHINE PARTS
POWER
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SEAS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SURFACE WATERS
VELOCITY
160800* - Tidal & Wave Power- Wave Energy Converters