A wave power plant is an installation that converts the movement energy of sea waves into electricity. It is a form of renewable energy that uses the constant wave motion of the sea and ocean.
How does it work?
Waves contain a lot of energy because the water rises and falls and rolls forward horizontally. A wave power plant captures this movement and uses it to drive a generator. There are several principles:
- Oscillating water column — waves push air in and out of a chamber; the air flow drives a turbine
- Point absorbers — floating buoys move up and down and convert that motion through a hydraulic system
- Overtopping systems — waves spill over a rim into a reservoir; the returning water drives a turbine
- Hinged flap systems — panels on the seabed swing with the wave motion
Application
Wave power plants are built mainly along coasts with strong, regular waves, such as the Atlantic coast. They can be combined with existing coastal defences, harbour walls or piers, which is attractive from a construction point of view.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Advantage — predictable and virtually inexhaustible, with a high energy density
- Advantage — can be attached to civil structures such as dams
- Disadvantage — the salty, harsh marine environment demands heavy, corrosion-resistant structures
- Disadvantage — still relatively costly and rarely used on a large scale
Related Terms
- Sustainable building
- Tidal power plant
- Coastal defence
- Civil engineering
- Green electricity
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