Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370

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Global Transitions Proceedings

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Power Generation Using Ocean Waves: A Review

Kavadiki Veerabhadrappa a,∗, B.G. Suhas a, Chidanand K. Mangrulkar a, R. Suresh Kumar a,
V.S. Mudakappanavar a, Narahari a, K.N. Seetharamu b
a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, B.M.S.College of Engineering, Bengaluru, 560019, India
b
Department of Mechanical Engineering, PES University, 100-Feet Ring Road, BSK 3rd Stage, Bengaluru, 560 085, Karnataka, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Keywords: From decades, Earth is reminding humans to find better ways to produce power rather than burning fossil fuels
Wave Energy Converters which would result in the emission of harmful gases into the environment. The world energy consumption is ex-
Bouy pected to increase substantially in the next decade and if the same negligence towards the environment continues,
Pelamis
there will be a day when no clean air would be available. Traditional practices of producing energy, regularly
Transducers
reminds us the serious threat they pose to the environment. Thus there is a need to produce independent and
Absorbers
Linear generator clean electricity. Wave energy can be observed as a possible clean energy resource which can be exploited for
power generation purposes. While this method is relatively new and economically competitive, there is a growing
trend towards it, which is gaining interest from government and industries. A vital feature of these waves is that
they have the highest energy density when compared to other renewable energy resources.

1. Introduction
Sea waves are the most powerful energy carriers in renewable en-
ergy sources, as they show large energy resources in all geographical
areas. Scientists believe that the waves in the ocean are capable of gen-
erating 2 Terawatt (TW) per year all over the world. Global theoretical
energy from waves corresponds to 8 × 106 Terawatt hours (TWh) per
year, which is about 100 times the total hydroelectric generation of the
whole plant [1]. To produce this energy using fossil fuels, it would pro-
duce 2 million tons of 𝐶𝑂2 emissions. The fossil fuels contribute to about
80% of the gross primary energy and the International Energy Agency
(IEA) anticipates the same in 2030 considering an increase in global
energy consumption by 1.6% per year [2]. Obeying the rules of the Ky-
oto Protocol, wave energy can contribute towards the diminution of air
pollution [1]. Therefore it is highly suggested to exploit this technology
towards its fullest extent. It has been found that the world has an 8 × 105
km of coastline exceeding a wave power density of 30 kW/m [3]. Also,
Indian potential is around 14 kW/m on an average, with about 7500
km of shoreline. Even with just 10% utilization, the energy generated
could be anywhere around 3750 × 103 to 7500 × 103 kW [4]. In 1924,
the first study of large-scale tidal waves started in various islands using
electric stations, ship locks, and powerhouses [5]. The ways of develop-
ment of wave energy conventions have been going on from many years.
The developed devices have different models and sizes. This often leads
to expensive and costly processes for large and sophisticated devices.
However, the cost related to construction, repair work, setting up of
electric cables, grain storage facilities, scale machines, equipment and
project management does not depend upon the size of the wave energy
converter (WEC). Therefore, larger devices that generate large amounts
of energy are better than smaller devices. There are only few WEC’s
which are capable of improving their energy generation, compared to
wind energy where we can increase energy output by increasing swept
area. This is because from the beginning of their development, WEC’s
have optimum size and hence the freedom for further product develop-
ment is difficult [6–13]. The wave motion as we know is very arbitrary.
Hence there needs to be a mechanism that would utilize and convert the
unsteady input to a constant and steady output in the form of electricity.
The forces from the waves are absorbed through an absorber, possibly
a buoy. This absorbed energy can be directly converted into electricity
using a Linear Permanent Magnet Generator or in several stages using
Hydraulic and Mechanical transducers. These converters are to be se-
lected keeping in mind the factors such as life, durability, reliability,
efficiency, etc. The generator system of the WEC is a topic of ongoing
research to possibly increase the efficiency of the whole system. Another
important factor to be considered while designing a WEC is its location
of implementation as the requirements and constraints have to be satis-
fied.
1.1. Energy Storage
The Energy obtained as a result of the process is to be stored using a
suitable storage device. These storage devices can be short term storage
devices or long time storage devices depending upon the use. Some of

∗
Corresponding author. Tel.: +91-9916644535.
E-mail address: kavadiki.mech@bmsce.ac.in (K. Veerabhadrappa).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gltp.2022.05.001
Received 31 October 2021; Received in revised form 6 May 2022; Accepted 6 May 2022
Available online 16 May 2022
2666-285X/© 2022 The Authors. Publishing Services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC
BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al.
Acronyms
TW Terawatt
TWh Terawatt Hours
IEA International Energy Agency
WEC Wave Energy Converter
WD Wave Dragon
AWS Archimedes Wave Swing
OWC Oscillating Water Column
WSC Water Surge Column
AWS Archimedes Wave Swing
WP Wave Pump
AB Aqua Buoy
PB Power Buoy
LG Linear Generator
the Short term storage devices are Capacitors, Super Capacitors and Su-
per Conducting Magnetic Energy storage. Some of the technologies that
use capacitor for energy storage are electrolytic capacitors, film capac-
itors and ceramic capacitors. In spite of having high frequency applica-
tions and low equivalent resistance, Ceramic capacitors have poor aging
characteristics. To store large volumes of power Electrolyte capacitors
are typically used relative to other capacitors (non-SC) with a relatively
high capacity. Electrolytes are frequently used to maintain bus voltage
to contain power fluctuations in DC-link programs on power converters.
For such characteristics, Electrolytics can be used as electrical energy
devices in wave energy generation because large power deviations can
be seen during wave energy generation. Super Capacitors are very good
at rapid discharging and with the ability to discharge all of its stored
energy instantaneously. In Super capacitors, it could be noted that the
capacitances in the region of kilo Farad can be achieved, but currently at
1 / weakness of habitats, such as marine vertebrates, marine mammals
too high cost. In this capacitor the stored energy is given by 𝐸 = 𝐶𝑉 2
2
which yields that the stored energy is proportional to capacitance. Su-
per conducting magnetic energy storage is a type of short-time storing
device which consists of a coil made of super conducting material whose
temperature when cooled below the critical temperature allows the coil
to super conduct. The energy is stored in magnetic field due to current
flowing in the coil. Indefinite amount of energy can be stored and the
current will not degrade until the temperature is maintained below criti-
cal. Super conducting magnetic energy storage is still in its development
stage and it is costlier than the other energy storage systems. It con-
sists of important part such as a refrigerator, which will help to increase
the vulnerability of the rough wave climate, as well as increase the re-
quired space and mechanical maintenance. For these reasons, small and
medium enterprises are not considered as ocean-dependent energy ap-
plications. In flywheel Energy storage, a cylinder is used with a shaft
that rotates in a robust enclosure. In order to reduce the frictional losses
the magnet levitates the cylinder. This system is in turn connected to
the motor or generator. In flywheel Energy storage, the motor is used
to convert the electric energy from which rotational speed of the shaft
can be increased. Some of the long-time storage devices are Batteries,
Hydrogen Fuel Storage, Compressed Air Energy Storage and Pumped
Hydroelectric. The best way of storing excess energy is by a hydrogen
based fuel-cell in which Electrolyser is created by hydrogen gas and is
stored in a high pressure tanks. The fuel-cell can then be dispatched
when necessary. In the recent few years further analysis has been done
and it has been concluded that with the available technology, losses
during storing and dispatching are too high, and the optimism related
to hydrogen use seem to have declined. Other very widely used long-
time storing devices are Batteries. Batteries have become very popular
in the last few decades. An electrochemical battery consists of at least
two electrochemical cells. A cell consists of two electrodes and an elec-
trolyte material. In the oxidation- reduction process, electric current is
created due to the chemical reaction at the electrodes [14]. Compressed
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Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370
Air Energy Storage device aims at compressing air using excess or inex-
pensive energy to compress and store air. In smaller plants, the air can
be stored in tanks but in large scale plants, the air is stored in under-
ground caverns. Due to the increase in demand or when the prices are
higher, the energy stored is released. The compressed air is released into
a combustion turbine generator system in order to generate electricity.
1.2. Environmental Impact
Wave energy has a positive effect on the environment, which reduces
the amount of harmful gases that can be emitted to extract the same
amount of energy as the WEC produces. According to Fadaeenejad et al.
[15] the use of wave energy in the offshore islands has a positive impact
on tourism as these islands have a stable development and a high qual-
ity environment. The Institute of Electrical Power Engineering (2004)
also noted that WEC’s safe water can be used to engage in some types of
water sports. Thus, WEC’s will have a significant and positive impact on
leisure and tourism. When wave transmitters are installed on the sea, ef-
fective agricultural zones will not disappear. Bedard concluded that the
installation, operation, maintenance and discharge of these WEC’s will
present the additional benefit of being the most environmental friendly
technology [16,17]. Like other energy sources, the wave energy also has
environmental and economic consequences that need to be taken into
account when planning a new facility. Many environmental issues re-
lated to wave energy are similar to the marine wind power schemes.
Lessons from offshore oil, wind and other ocean-based industries can
provide important information when designing to minimize the effects
of wave energy on the environment. The environmental interaction of
WEC’s with the marine environment can be defined as negative and pos-
itive [17–21]. The possible effects on organisms, livestock, fish, habitat
and others have been largely investigated by Frid et al. [18], Inger et al.
[19], Linley [20], Simmonds et al. [21]. They noted the potential for loss
and large fish to determine the negative effects of such waves farms, the
risk of collision with deep noise emissions and electromagnetic fields,
as well as the ability to operate as an artificial reef as well as recon-
struct the damaged ecosystems that have previously demonstrated their
success in improving biodiversity and fisheries [18,19]. The impact on
the environment varies with the extent of the project and depends on
the location and ecosystems in the region. An effective EIA investiga-
tion is essential to establish a system for monitoring the environment,
which is a key element that determines the life cycle of a transducer[22].
Leeney et al. [23] conducted a research on different MRI sites (Wave and
tidal) in northern Europe, using the data from SOFIA project collected
via questionnaires in particular, the authors classified the environmen-
tal assessment of the devises at the different sites in eight environmental
categories during the monitoring program which are marine mammals,
Benthos, fish and fish habitat, sea birds, marine vertebrates and other
marine organisms at different locations and medium. Coastal and near-
coast schemes may affect coastal erosion due to changes in currents and
waves. Pulse velocity, amplitude of waves and water flow can be propor-
tional to the size of the array. This may damage the unit when installing
wave energy. Many rods, concrete blocks, anchors and chains are se-
cured to the ocean floor. Land preparation may include depending on
the sea beds and washing the seabed to install electric cables. Ocean
degradation depends on the number of devices to be installed and the
anchor systems used. Wave energy does not emit greenhouse gases and
other atmospheric pollutants in the production of electricity, and emis-
sions arise at its construction, transportation and other stages of its life
cycle. There are also impacts from the leakage and release of oils, flu-
ids, bio-fouling paints into the sea from hydraulic rams, power trains
etc., Except for the area of the sea installations, local fishing may be
affected. Floating devices can be used to give priority to some seafood
and habitats, as well as there should be restriction to access the fishing
sites and restriction to the access of network, cables and power cables.
However as in the seas, fishing activities may be beyond the scope of
K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al.
Fig. 1. Global wave power distribution in kW/m [1]
the installation. Marine mammals may be vulnerable to floating struc-
tures or may act as seagoing and migratory barriers affecting the flora
and fauna of the seabed. Many offshore wind installations are directly
fixed to the seabed, and anchor lines can pose a threat to some ani-
mals, especially large whales. Liquid microwave devices can also en-
courage seafarers to use buildings as temporary boards. WEC may be
a navigation hazard for carriage, because their low profile may cause
complex visual or radar detection. Potentially impacting traffic during
nighttime, when wave energy devices break out at night or break up in
storms in their boats. Also, boosting ship movement in the area of main-
tenance and repairs may affect the quality of water due to potential oil
spills. Noise from these devises may affect whales and dolphins that use
hunting echoes, especially in harsh conditions. For coastal and coast-
line devices, operating noise levels pollute local noise on the beach or
coast. However, when it is fully functional, no noise can be generated by
masking through the natural noise of the wind and waves. Offshore and
nearby facilities may affect some types of swimming and water sports on
floating surfaces. Underwater diving and water skiing can use a shelter
provided by these facilities, but swimming and sailing may suffer. There
can be visual effects of large installations on tourism and the depth of
water required by nearby devices can be several hundred yards from the
sea shore. Deployment on land and land installations, such as platforms,
anchors and cables, can change the flow of water and sands around the
building. Water speed changes affect the coastal erosion and sediment,
stones and pebbles. Slow or limited water flow increases sludge deposi-
tion. These environmental problems can only be regarded as difficulties,
and humans are required to produce pure energy without affecting the
environment.
2. Wave Formation
The distribution of wave energy around the world can be seen using
following Fig. 1 This shows the wave density at different parts of the
world in kW/m [24]. A combination of forces due to gravity, marine
tension and air intensity are key factors in the production of marine
waves.
The Fig. 2(a) Represent the formation of sea waves in the storm. The
wavelength is achieved by wind velocity, the depth and topography of
the sea (concentrating or disseminating wave energy). Waves of sea have
a regular shape at far distance this phenomenon is called as swell. Wind-
driven water particles show circular trajectories with the maximum ra-
dius on the surface and goes on decreasing with depth. This combina-
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Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370
tion of circular movement is responsible for the wave formation and
proper distribution, as shown in the Fig. 2(b) The distance between the
two crests or two troughs determines the wavelength. The height of the
wave H (crest to trough) is proportional to the air intensity and its du-
ration. The frequency 𝑓 = 1∕𝑇 specifies the number of waves to appear
in unit time. As a result, the velocity of the wave will be 𝑣 = 𝜆∕𝑡 = 𝜆∕𝑓 .
The ratio 𝜆∕2𝐻 are called the wave declivity and this value is greater
than 1∕7, the waves are unstable and disappear. Long-term waves have
relatively long wavelengths and move fast. In general, large waves are
strong.
The western coasts of four shallow water areas and east coasts waves
of India are studied on the basis of data collected from one year of
measurements and the variations are reviewed [25,26]. The study indi-
cates that 83-85% of the electricity generation occur during the summer
monsoon period (June-September). Near Pondicherry Coast, the wave
of 31.8 kW/m was the most cost effective. The power generation during
summer monsoon is higher than usual; the western coast of India has
higher capacity than eastern coast (15.5 to 19.3 kW/m). In the study it
has been found that on the contrary, the power generation in the stud-
ied locations is lower than the hot zones (1.8 to 7.6 kW/m). The wave
power potential in India as shown in Fig. 3.
3. Benefits
The benefits of this technology are mentioned below:
(i). Wave energy has high power density compared to other renew-
able resources of energy.
(ii). Wave energy is more regular and anticipated than other forms.
(iii). Amongst the other resources, wave energy is the cleanest form
and there is no impact on the environment.
(iv). With little energy loss wave can travel large distances.
(v). Reduction on the use of non-renewable energy resources.
(vi). Cost effective way to produce electricity.
4. Challenges
Some of the challenges that might be present are:
(i). The forces that are present in the waves are in arbitrary direc-
tions, hence are difficult to absorb.
(ii). The Wave energy converter has to survive storms and the salinity
of the ocean.
K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al.
Fig. 2. (a) Formation of waves due to storm [1] and (b) Sea waves propagation [1]
(iii). High initial cost of fabricating a WEC and proper maintenance is
key.
(iv). Conversion of random, slow and high force motion of waves into
constant output.
(v). Problems exist with the transfer of electricity from under water
devices to on shore grid.
(vi). Large WEC’s may be seen as a disruption to marine animals.
(vii). Still these technologies are of high cost, more development is
necessary.
5. Classifications of WEC’s
There are different ways of classifying wave energy converters. Some
of them are, based on the location of the device.
5.1. Shoreline Devices
These devices which are present on the coast. The advantages of
these devices are that it’s easy to install and maintain. These are to be
installed in the hot-spots for better power generation. The implementa-
tions of these devices are restricted by shoreline geology, tidal range,
conservation of coastal scenery, etc. Examples are, Oscillating Water
Column, Limpet, Vizhinjam harbour WEC, etc.
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Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370
Fig. 3. Wave potential in India [26]
5.2. Near shore Devices
These devices are mounted in water depths of up to 20m from the
shoreline, within 1 km of the shore. The power developed is transferred
to the grid on the shore through electrical cables. Some examples are,
Oscillating Water Surge, Osprey, Wave star, etc.
5.3. Off Shore Devices
These devices experience more powerful wave regimes and are
present at a depth more than 40m in the deep water. Some examples are,
Archimedes Wave Swing (AWS), Pelamis, Salter Duck, Wave Dragon,
Penguin, etc. Based on Operating conditions:
Floating devices
These devices float on the sea and utilize the surface waves. The
converter system and generator are to be housed in the same devices.
The Wave star is a classic example for this.
Partially submerged devices
These devices are half submerged in water and utilize both the sur-
face and underwater wave currents. The electricity produced can be
transferred to the station present on the shore. Oscillating Water Surge
is an example for this type.
K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al. Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370

Fig. 4. Pelamis [27]

Fully submerged devices

As the name suggests, the devices are underwater and utilize the un-
derwater wave currents and pressure difference. The Archimedes Wave
Swing is an example.

6. Some popular WEC’s

There are different types of WEC present; some of them are discussed
below:

6.1. Pelamis

The pelamis has its axis parallel to the wave direction as shown in
Fig. 4. These are broken up into segments which are hinged to each
other. When these segments oscillate due to the wave motion, the oscil-
latory motion is used to pump oil and consequently a hydraulic system
is used to convert this motion. The Pelamis is an attenuator type of a
device https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/154076/view/pelamis-
wave-power-artwork,

6.2. Wave dragon

The WD is an over-topping device. It captures the water into its reser-

voir and then releases it back into the sea through a turbine as shown in
Figs. 5(a) and 5(a). The rotation of the turbine shaft is then converted
into electricity using a suitable generator.

6.3. Oscillating water column

The OWC is a simple method in which a chamber is present below

the sea level. As waves approach the chamber the air inside it rises and
escapes into the atmosphere but on the way driving a wells turbine and
when the wave level drops, air is pulled into the chamber and again
through the wells turbine as shown in Fig. 6. The specialty of this turbine
is that it always rotates in one direction regardless of the wind direction.
This rotation is used for power generation.

6.4. Oscillating water surge converter

In this type of WEC there is an oscillator that is hinged at the bot-

tom, which oscillates during the action of waves as shown in Fig. 7. the
Fig. 5. (a) Schematic diagram of Wave Dragon [27] and (b) Wave Dragon in
top of the oscillator is above the waterline. This oscillatory motion is
operation [27]
converted into rotational motion using Pelton turbine that is driven by
a flow network that comes from the oscillator[27].

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K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al.
6.5. Archimedes Wave Swing
The AWS is a device that uses the pressure difference between the
device and the wave. It has an air filled cylinder of which the upper part
is movable as shown Fig. 8. When a crest passes above the cylinder,
due to the pressure above it, the movable cylinder moves down and
when a trough passes, due to less pressure, the cylinder moves upwards.
This translatory motion can be converted to electricity using a linear
generator [27].
6.6. McCabe Wave Pump
A McCabe Wave Pump device has three pontoons which are hinged
together as shown in Fig. 9. The central pontoon is connected to a sunken
damper plate at the bottom. The two extreme pontoons are called the
aft and the fore pontoons; these oscillate due to the waves and drive a
hydraulic system. The conversion of motion to electricity can take place
by using a hydraulic motor or by any suitable means.
6.7. Aqua Buoy
This device has a long tube like structure which houses a piston. The
Aqua Buoy is as shown in Fig. 10. The movement of the buoy drives the
piston, which in turn changes the volume of the hose containing seawa-
ter, which provides the necessary pressure to the water. The seawater
drives a turbine which generates electricity.
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Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370
Fig. 6. Schematic diagram of Oscillating Water Column
[27]
Fig. 7. Schematic diagram of Water surge converter [27]
6.8. Power Buoy
The power buoy is a fully submerged buoyant device that translates
linearly along its axis due to the height difference of the crest and trough
as shown Fig. 11. This motion can be converted into electricity directly
using a linear permanent magnet generator. There are under water ca-
bles present to transfer the electricity produced to the shore.
7. Types of transducers
There are different ways by which the energy can be generated. Some
of them use Hydraulic transducers, Electrical Transducers and some use
Mechanical transducers. The steps in conversion of wave motion into
electricity are as shown in Fig. 12.
7.1. Mechanical Devices
Some mechanical devices are gear arrangements, Pelton turbines,
wells turbine, etc. The drawback of using these is that they are bulky
and also provide less efficiency. Flywheels are also used to provide a
steady rotational output as shown in Fig. 13.
7.2. Hydraulic Devices
Hydraulic devices are used as they are reliable and durable than the
rest. A typical hydraulic system consists of pumps, reservoirs, hoses,
piping, piston arrangements, incompressible fluid, etc. Hydraulic motors
K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al.
are also used. Hydraulic devices have a disadvantage that they are bulky,
costly and occupy lots of space as shown Fig. 14.
7.3. Electromagnetic Devices
These devices offer the advantage of directly converting the linear
motion into electricity. A popular electromagnetic device is the linear
generator. It has a translator, attached to which are permanent magnets
in alternate polarity as shown in Fig. 15. This translator translates in a
stationary housing which contains the iron core with windings. When
there is translator motion, current is induced in the stator coils
8. State of the art experimental studies
The details of the state of the art experimental study in the field of
power generation using ocean waves can be summarized in the form of
a table and is as given in Table 1
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Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370
Fig. 8. Schematic diagram of Archimedes Wave
Swing [27]
Fig. 9. Parts of McCabe Wave Pump [28]
9. Future prospectus
The wave energy reward is for those contenders who can better de-
sign wave conversion devices, which are aimed at creating a device that
will reduce the cost of ocean waves to half the cost of electricity produc-
tion. Although wind power has so far successful by building new wind
turbines and solar industry knows how a panel looks like, but in wave in-
dustry we do not have such options for development but it is constantly
trying to turn ocean energy into electricity that can be consumed. It’s
not surprising when you look at young wave industries. Many wave
energy companies are less than ten years old, some of them are much
younger, and solar and wind energy have evolved over the decades.
Only a few wave energy companies around the world have managed to
control the network, and practically no one has developed to the point
where they can deliver the power which was promised. The Ocean is
not just about salty water, it’s not about oppressions or big blows and
it’s a very difficult place to try to collect energy. The ocean is simply not
like the wind or does not radiate like sunlight. The oceans are growing;
K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al. Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370

Fig. 10. Aqua Buoy [28]

Fig. 11. Power Buoy [28]

Fig. 12. Electricity Generation Process [29]

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K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al. Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370

Table 1
Summary of the state-of-the-art of development around the world

Sl No. Author(s) Year Remarks

1 Salter 2 Salter came with an idea in which he proposed a design of a system where a vertical vane is mounted on a hollow cylindrical
member with paraxial ridges on its surface rotates due to wave motion and generates electricity and it promised an efficiency
of 40%
2 Clément et al. 30 The European theme network for wave energy was created with the participation of representatives of wave energy from 14
different European countries and they came up with various technologies and designs for wave energy conversion
3 Kofoed et al. 31 Danish company built an overtopping type of wave energy converter called as Wave dragon, it was the first offshore wave
energy converter
4 Szabo et al. 32 Authors have proposed and analysed a direct driven wave power conversion system to be placed in the Black Sea near the
Romania shores. They focused mainly on linear generator of wave energy converter and its power electronic and control
systems.
5 Cameron et al. 33 Aquamarine power installed Oyster is a hydro-electric wave energy device that uses the motion of ocean waves to generate
electricity
6 Boström 34 In their proposed work how to convert energy from ocean waves into electrical energy in the existing several technologies. The
generator is placed on sea bed and driven by a point absorbing buoy on the ocean surface. Several units are interconnected to
increase the total installed power. The author also investigated how the linear generator will operate with different load
condition. Off shore experimental and simulation studies are carried out on full scale generators connected to four different
loads.
7 Pecher et al. 8 The conditions for testing the prototype are very important. Energy production depends on the characteristics of the wave,
they are, standard deviation from sea level, mean wave period, wave frequencies, wave power. Scaling of the prototype is to be
done using the Froude’s scaling law, and the scale factor should be same for both wave conditions and the prototype
8 Bard and Kracht 35 Jochen Bard and Peter Kracht published a report on Structural Design of Wave Energy Devices and their testing. Hydraulics
seemed to be the most favorable option for hydropower systems that are closer to commercialization
9 Faizal et al. 36 It has been found that at least 15 months of the data should be required for the installation of the wave energy at a particular
site to check the available resources. In that, 12 months are required to check the data regarding different seasons and
additional 3 months are required to check the repeatability of the obtained data
10 Renzi et al. 37 Renzi E of Loughborough University stated that the Oyster had recently generated 1 megawatt of energy
11 Shi et al. 38 There are also devices that are huge, having a large single buoy, which is slowly reciprocates due to the wave motion and
hydraulic systems are used for transducing purposes and then a generator to produce electricity
12 Chandrasekaran and 39 A fully Mechanical device was used at IIT Madras to generate electricity from wave energy. They used a cylindrical buoy
Raghavi connected to a lever and on the other side were counter weights; a unidirectional gear is present which converts the oscillatory
motion into unidirectional rotary motion, a flywheel to compensate for the variations in wave and a generator that converts
rotation into electricity by using the principle of electromagnetic induction. The efficiency was found to be 23%
13 Titah-Benbouzid and 40 Ocean waves are being recognized as a resource to be exploited for the sustainable generation of electrical power. This paper
Benbouzid has proposed an up-to-date review of the most recent trends regarding main wave energy converter technologies describing,
analyzing and fixing many of the concepts behind wave energy conversion with respect to overviews already published in the
past years. In addition, mooring has been discussed and has been shown to be a key feature behind massive deployment of
wave energy converters. Based on their study the authors are highlighted some challenges that needs to be overcome to
enlarge the vision of large-scale commercial arrays of wave energy converters.
14 Angre and Joshi 25 The Pacific Community worked on a project to estimate the cost range for energy generation using wave energy device
considering the geography and environmental conditions of the site for energy generation
15 GÜNEY 41 Mukrimin Sevket Guney in his paper gave detailed explanation of wave energy conversion systems and briefed about the
modifications to be done in current systems
16 Rosa-Santos et al. 42 The CECO wave converter prototype is an energy converter of the renewed waves that are set in Portugal and modified to
convert the dynamic and potential energy of the ocean waves based on the flexible speed of two variable modules
17 Farrok et al. 43 Authors have explained the dynamics of energy conversion from wave energy to electrical energy by considering different
voltages, currents, power, and magnetic flux for a three-phase PMLG
18 Ambalia et al. 44 In this paper the authors are discussed how electricity can be generated from wave power using a combination of an offshore
buoyant moored device and an overtopping system. The buoyant moored device basically is a floating type device which uses
the rise and fall of the swells to drive the pumps and is responsible for the conversion of energy in Ocean waves to electrical
energy. An overtopping system uses the pumped fluid to fill the reservoir at a level higher than surrounding ocean. The
potential energy thus available in the reservoir is captured by the low head turbines which further generates the electricity.
Based on their study, the power concentrated in a wave energy is 10 times larger than wind energy.
19 Stegman et al. 45 Authors came out with a new concept such as hybrid or multiplatform concepts, which could represent a solution that
accelerates wave technology development by combining Wave Energy Converters with offshore wind turbines, which results in
a sharing of the foundation system costs, lower operation and management cost with some environmental benefits
20 Silva et al. 46 In 2018, the Portuguese Marine Technology and Ocean Engineers Center published a report on the impact of the Wave Energy
farm on aquaculture equipment, which focuses on the sheltering effect on aquaculture grids
21 Leijon and Boström 47 Vizhinjam harbour (India) and Islay LIMPET (Scotland) is the site of unique display plants that transform the waves to
electricity using Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs). The electricity generated is then transferred into the local network
22 Yusop et al. 29 The University of San Francisco conducted a project on the wave energy feasibility, described the wave energy efficiency, the
analysis of wave resource, technology and economy of using wave energy around the Southwest Ocean of San Francisco and
the generation of power using submerged surge technology at a cost similar to solar energy projects. Ocean Power Technology
designed a point absorber device which is called the Power buoy in which due to the pressure difference, floating structure will
heave up and down on the surface of water
23 Kujanpää 48 Wave energy has globally a massive potential, and with Wello’s wave energy technology, this potential could be tapped. The
data for the study was collected with an electronic stakeholder survey. The stakeholders included site developers, off-shore
operators, shipyards, utility companies and consultation companies. The research data was analysed with qualitative methods
with some quantitative aspects.
24 Ahamed et al. 49 The WEC based on the different working methods of their power take off systems are briefly reviewed. This includes an
analysis and comparison of advantages and challenges of the power take off systems. Aspects of current international research
and development activities and networks for wave energy is also discussed. The current market of wave energy technologies is
assessed. From their study the Hybrid PTO systems are seen as an important development for the future WEC.

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K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al. Global Transitions Proceedings 3 (2022) 359–370

Fig. 13. Turbine Converting Wave energy into

electricity [27]

Fig. 14. General Hydraulic System [27]

Fig. 15. Linear Generator [27]

the surface and rollers, and the incredible collection of designs reveal
its unexpected nature. Initial Wave Power Directors explain that devices
generate electrical energy at the lowest possible cost - at any place, by-
passing the surface. If wave energy controls wind and solar energy, most
of these projects will turn into historical artifacts, but a little overpow-
ering. It is possible to conclude that this difficult competition between
the organizations will be interesting, and this will lead to better energy
efficiency.

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K. Veerabhadrappa, B.G. Suhas, C.K. Mangrulkar et al.
10. Conclusions
Wave energy can be a possible clean energy technology and can only
grow in the future. Wave Energy can be a possible solution to the ongo-
ing power crisis and can contribute greatly towards it in the future, after
suitable positive developments in this technology. The carbon footprint
can be greatly reduced by using renewable resources like that of Wave
Energy. Advantages of using wave energy as an energy source is that it
has high energy density, more consistent, predictable, cleaner and cost
effective compared to any other renewable resource. But all good things
do not come without a challenge, some of them are faced during instal-
lation and some challenges during the operation of the WEC. The WEC’s
can be of many types and can be classified based on the location, opera-
tion condition, etc. Different theories have been proposed and patented
by researchers and concerned organizations for converting wave energy
into electricity. Different variants of the WEC have different power ab-
sorbing techniques and different transducing techniques. Some of them
use mechanical transducers, some use hydraulic transducers and some
directly convert energy into electricity by using electromagnetic trans-
ducers and generators. There has also been great research in the field of
power storage. Concerned organizations and researchers are looking for
better storage devices that can be used for short time and longtime ap-
plication. Some popular storage devices are batteries, capacitors, super
capacitors, compressed air, SMES, etc. The developments in this area
has been carried out from decades and scientists have always improved
the previous designs by replacing them with newer ones or upgrading
the old ones, only to get more efficiency, better operation capability
and less environmental impact. Different countries have developed their
own WEC. Some of them are multipurpose like the CETO from Australia,
which not only provides electricity but also desalinates the sea water.
The studies conducted by various concerned authorities in this field, it is
noted that there both positive and negative impact on the environment.
Some of the negatives are that sea mammals and fishes are disrupted
and the overall ecosystem is disturbed. There can also be cases of oil
spills on the sea which is harmful for the mammals and fishes. Some of
the positives are that WEC’s are renewable resources and do not release
harmful gasses into the atmosphere. It has also been found that tourism
activities will increase in the region where there are WEC’s. Hence it
can be concluded that the future of this technology all in all looks very
bright and if exploited in the right way could reap results that mankind
will relish for the years to come
Declaration of Competing Interest
I here with declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
Authors sincerely thank the Management of B.M.S. College of Engi-
neering, Bengaluru - 560019 for their encouragement and support to-
wards this work.
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