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EngiTech
Renewable Energy Technology Learn
Course Lecture Series Plex

Wave Energy 3

Prepared by
Engr. Dr. Muhammad Farhan

@farhan. M 1
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Oscillating Ducks
• This wave power equipment was
designed by Stephen Salter at
Edinburgh university in Scotland.
It is a float type wave energy
conversion plant in which several
duck-shaped devices (each 25 m
long) are installed in a linear
width-wise array along a line
which is perpendicular to the
direction of the wave.
• The system consists of a long
cylindrical spine of 15 m diameter
on which cam shaped ducks are
installed in an array to form an
assembly as shown in Figure 11.25.
It responds to the incoming wave
with a nodding action.
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Oscillating Ducks
• When the forward moving wavefront
strikes the head on the face of the
ducks, wave energy is passed on and
the ducks start to oscillate. The face
of the duck is designed for
maximum wave energy absorption.
• Power is generated by the relative
motion of the ducks where the wave
energy is converted into mechanical
To achieve a highly efficient absorption it is necessary to mount a series
energy. The cylindrical spine of ducks on a non-movable spine. If the spine is sufficiently long (more
transfers motion through linkages than wavelength), the angular distribution of the waves incident on this
and gears to the generator rotor. The structure will produce phase cancellations of translation force
overall length of the cylindrical spine components along the spine and the spine will remain stationary.
varies between 100 m and 500 m.
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Economics
• A new methodology has emerged in energy analysis, which introduces the concept of
‘energy ratio’. It is defined as the ratio of total energy output over the lifetime of the
installation to the total energy required to build and operate the installation.
• Systems which have the energy ratio of 8 or above are considered ‘useful’ irrespective
of their financial viability. In contrast, a coal based powerhouse may be economically
attractive, but its energy ratio is obviously less than one. Energy analysis thus
compliments financial analysis.
• A study of energy analysis of wave and tidal power was carried out by K.G. Smith and
J.S. Varley in the UK
• It has been analyzed that the major components of the energy requirement for a wave
power installation are due to (i) tools and plants about 60%, (ii) concrete about 12%,
and (iii) steel about 4%.
• For any assumed wave power, P = 50 kW/m, the energy ratio is 13 at an extraction
efficiency of 23% for an RCC duck converter.
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Introduction to Thermal Energy Conversion

• The oceans and the seas which cover about 70% of the earth are
constantly receiving solar radiation and act as the largest natural solar
collector.
• An ocean as a collector has an enormous storage capacity. Energy
from the ocean is available in several forms, such as ocean thermal
energy, wave energy and tidal energy.
• Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a new technology, needed
to be harnessed
• Basically, the OTEC converts the thermal energy, available due to
temperature difference between the warm surface water and the cold deep
water, into electricity.
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@farhan. M 5
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Introduction to Thermal Energy Conversion

• Power from the OTEC is renewable and eco-friendly.
• An OTEC plant can operate in remote islands and sea-shore
continuously. It is very low grade solar thermal energy, so the
efficiency of energy recovery is quite low.
• However, since the ocean thermal energy is dispersed over a large
ocean surface area, it has a big potential.
• The large counties like china, India have the overall potential of
ocean energy may be in excess of 50,000 MW.
• There is an enormous opportunity to tap this renewable source of
energy.
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@farhan. M 6