Wave energy
The ocean is a source of vast amounts of energy; the water carries with it huge amounts of potential and kinetic energy which is harnessed can solve the world’s energy problems twice over. Wave energy is a concept where the energy from the ocean is meant to be utilized. The techniques developed are
1) Open Oscillating water column (OWC)
2) Closed OWC
3) Raft
The concept behind an open OWC is that is in essence a device that is floated on the surface of the ocean which in turn takes the energy from the slow powerful and sudden waves and converts in into bursts of wind that in turn move the turbine.
The closed version is almost the same except that it is submerged and the energy source is the difference of water pressure and subsequently the energy between the two waves crest. This device is fixed to the seabed.
The raft is a different ball game though, invented by Sir Christopher it is in essence a lot of rafts, i.e. a whole series of rafts which are connected by the hinges with the help of hydraulic jacks. The rafts work on the principle that every wave has its own inherent energy and as the waves some the rafts are moved up and down with the crest and trough of the wave this motion pushes the hydraulic jacks which further pushes the fluid into the turbines, thus making them work and generating electricity.
Wave energy is a form of alternate energy, it is clean and renewable and does not need the consumption of the precious fossil fuel, and it is also non-polluting and is thus no danger to the environment. The structures can also act as barriers against the shoreline buildings.
Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage is that this is a region specific energy and is limited to the seas of mainly the southern hemisphere where the waves are higher. The devices are designed to absorb huge amounts of energy so, the maintenance is particularly high.
