Hello Class

EngiTech
Renewable Energy Technology Learn
Course Lecture Series Plex

Wave Energy 2

Prepared by
Engr. Dr. Muhammad Farhan

@farhan. M 1
Hello Class

Mathematical Analysis of Wave Energy

• A progressive water wave can be
represented by a sine curve as shown
in Figure. Though the sea waves are
highly irregular, such a wave is
assumed to be of sinusoidal
harmonic wave shape for the
purpose of mathematical analysis.
• The wave is moving in the direction
of the x-axis, 2a is the height of the
wave from crest to trough in the
direction of y-axis, i.e., the
amplitude is a.
2
@farhan. M 2
Hello Class

Mathematical Analysis of Wave Energy

The total energy contained in a water wave is the sum of its

potential energy and kinetic energy.
The potential energy in the wave is due to the rise of water above
the mean sea level. The kinetic energy is due to wave velocity and is
dependent on the motion of water particles.
For a small amplitude sinusoidal wave, the potential energy and
kinetic energy are equal.

3
@farhan. M 3
Hello Class

Potential energy
• The potential energy in sea waves is due to the rise of water up to wave crest
above the mean level, i.e., where y = 0. To calculate the potential energy of
elevated water, it is necessary to find out the work to be done in raising that
much quantity of water to the elevated height, i.e.,

4
@farhan. M 4
Hello Class

Potential energy

5
@farhan. M 5
Hello Class

Kinetic energy
• Due to blowing of wind on the surface of ocean, water waves moving
over the ocean surface are fast. Due to their high speed, the ocean
waves have a lot of kinetic energy.
• When the amplitude a of the wave is small compared to its
wavelength, then the potential energy and the kinetic energy are
equal. The kinetic energy of the wave is same as in Eq. (11.10). It is
therefore expressed as

6
@farhan. M 6
Hello Class

Total
energy

7
@farhan. M 7
Hello Class

Example

8
@farhan. M 8
Hello Class

Wave Energy Conversion Machine

• Dolphin Type Wave Energy Generator
• The Dolphin type wave energy generator
was designed by a research laboratory in
Japan. It essentially consists of the following
components as detailed in Figure
• A supporting structure is built in the sea
bed to provide a firm position for the
equipment.
• The structure is erected on pile foundations.
One generator is installed on the top of the
structure which collects wave energy from
the connecting shaft with rolling motion.
9
@farhan. M 9
Hello Class

Dolphin Type Wave Energy Generator

• The gear arrangement with the stationary generator rotates the rotor
to generate electric power. The buoy (floating device) is at the other
end of the connecting rod floats and has two motions, namely rolling
motion and oscillatory motions represented by N and M respectively.
The floating generator collects wave energy from the buoy through a
gear arrangement and continuously generates power

• Normally one dolphine type wave energy generator is of 100 kW

capacity. Several such wave energy generating systems are installed, say 50
numbers, along a width of 500 metres to have an installed capacity of 5
MW.
10
@farhan. M 10
Hello Class

Example
• An array of Dolphin type wave energy generators is installed along a
width of 500 m. The mean amplitude of the wave is 2 m with a
period of 10 s. Calculate the installed capacity of the plant.

11
@farhan. M 11