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358 Energy from Water

Ocean Waves
Waves are generally categorized as either longitudinal or transverse. In a longitudinal
wave, the individual particles move back and forth in the direction that the wave moves. In a
transverse wave, the individual particles move up and down in a direction that is perpendicular
to the wave motion.
Water waves are created by the wind as it blows across a large stretch of water. The air
transfers energy to the water and causes a wave that is a combination of longitudinal and
transverse motion. The individual water particles move in an elliptical pattern as a result.
As the wind speed increases, the waves become larger; their size also increases as they
move onshore.
Large stretches of the ocean are open, so waves can build a considerable amount of
energy. As they approach shore, they are affected by water depth and can become quite
large. With water waves, the wave height is higher as the energy in the wave increases.
Wave height is twice the amplitude and is measured between the lowest point, called the
trough, and the top, called the crest. The wavelength is a common measurement for any
wave and is the horizontal distance between two consecutive points on a wave (in water it
is typically from a crest of one wave to the crest on the following wave.) These definitions
are illustrated in Figure 11-23.

FIGURE 11.23 Wave Definitions for Water Waves

Calm sea level

When the wave is at its trough, it compresses the water directly below it slightly, and this extra pressure helps push the water back and upward,
adding to the force of the next crest. The higher the crest, the more surface the wind has to push against, and over time swells develop. If the wind
speed increases, it pushes more water; this causes the crests to become higher, which increases the wave energy. As waves become higher, they
naturally tend to get longer, an important design factor for certain wave energy devices.
The oceans and seas cover approximately 70% of the world's surface. A large amount of energy is available in the waves that roll across the
oceans every day, twenty four hours a day. A number of machines can convert wave power into electrical power, and they are generally known as wave
energy converters, which form the basis of a wave energy system that includes cabling and shore installations. Wave energy converters can be classified
into three basic types: point absorbers, attenuators, and terminating devices. Each will be discussed in the following subsections.

Point Absorbers
A point absorber is a floating wave energy converter that is in a fixed position. It moves up and down from wave motion. The motion with respect
to a fixed reference is captured and the energy is converted to electricity using electromechanical or hydraulic energy converters. Point absorbers work by
creating relative motion between a floating part and a submerged assembly. The motion can be used to drive a hydraulic motor and generator to create
electricity. Because they are axially symmetrical, point absorbers can work with waves mov ing in any direction. Several companies have point absorbers
under various stages of development, but one that is ready for deployment is from Ocean Power Technologies.

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