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Wave Energy
So here is a way I have thought of to make wave energy more efficient.
First, you anchor a pole to the ocean floor (how far from land is a question we wont go into). A good example of poles that are already there are those wind turbines that are planted in the sea. they also have the advantage of being connected to the grid already.
Second, wrap a float around the pole, so that it can slide up and down it as the waves go up and down. the size and buoyancy of the float is important since the more it can carry the more it can push when the wave lifts it. hence the more power will ultimately be generated.
Third, connect hydrolic shafts to the top of the pole and the float. this way, every time the float goes up it pushes the shafts up with as much force as it is buoyant (a float the size of a bed should be able to lift an elephant if done right). when the shafts are pushed they power a generator.
if you have a float that lifts 100kg and a wave of 20cm every 10 sec, you generate a large amount of electricity. the higher the wave the more energy generated.
It should be fairly easy to make a simple version of this. instead of hydrolic shafts it would be a belt turning a crank shaft or turbine. It would be a proof of concept. I think it would be nice to generate just a little more energy from those already standing wind turbines.
Views: 1
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Comment by Can Cengiz on March 24, 2010 at 2:00pm -
Why not? That's nice.
A similar thing is done with kites in the air:
http://www.urgentevoke.com/video/kite-wind-generator
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Comment by Nicholas Nagao on March 24, 2010 at 6:30pm -
Omri, great idea, but people are already doing this. It's called tidal energy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power
There are many variations on how to use the tide to create energy, and it's a field being studied extensively in places like Hawaii, where currently the are HEAVILY dependent on oil for power, and do not get the benefits of neighboring grids to help out. Keep up the good work, and do some research to see if you can add your own contributions to the problem.
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Comment by Gilda Lorena Arias on March 24, 2010 at 6:34pm -
+ 1 for the effort
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Comment by Omri or something on March 24, 2010 at 6:34pm -
I know of tidal energy. this is wave energy. it doesn't have to be shore based and instead of relying on a tide twice a day it has waves all the time. smaller, but constant.
though I'm sure others are doing this, I couldn't find this specific idea anywhere, so I posted it.
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Comment by Massive Attack on March 24, 2010 at 8:40pm -
Good idea, didn't know the distinction between
Wave & tidal.+1 sustainability. Could solar also be added to wind turbines?
3 sources in one!
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Comment by RD on March 24, 2010 at 8:55pm -
Great idea Omri:) +1 for Knowledge Share.
Thanks for clarifying the uniqueness of wave energy (as opposed to tidal energy) and putting across the perspective of such a concept not being shore based. Now how would that be commercially more advantageous is what is of prime importance to serious people I know, constantly looking for technology that can address cost leadership and economies of scale.
One quick question: Would you be personally interested to pursue this concept and develop design prototypes for it which can be tested? And if you do, what kind of time horizon are you looking at?
I could put you through very specific efficient contacts (Joint Secretary level and above) in the energy ministry (for Govt of India and for some specific states within India) in case you are keen to pursue this project on your own or in collaboration with key technical contacts within your community. I would certainly be very happy to facilitate "buy-ins" for your concept. Thanks.
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Comment by Michele Baron on March 25, 2010 at 3:47am -
Good posting--great that you are interested in such a renewable energy source! This has been an interest of mine, too; there is some information available, although it is often difficult to find details.
The world's first commercial wafe farm, the Aguçadora Wave Park in Portugal, was established in 2006.
There is also a commercial wave-power park in Reedsport, Oregon, USA. Here is a link to some information sites: http://www.getenergyaware.org/energy-wave-energy.asp
Many of the current wave power renewable energy systems utilize arm-channel systems to provide a more even input of wave-force, and, since consistency of power is crucial to dependable power generation, deep-water installations seem to be the most promising.
Also check wikipedia for general commentary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agu%C3%A7adoura_Wave_Farm
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_farm
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Comment by David Anderson on March 25, 2010 at 4:00am -
Take a look at Ocean Power Technologies
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Comment by Omri or something on March 25, 2010 at 6:56am
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Thanks a lot guys.
I'll check it all out.
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Comment by Nicholas Nagao on March 25, 2010 at 4:04pm
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Omri, great conversation you've started here. I've added this blog to my favorites to try to get it more visibility
http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blogs/favorite-favorite-blogs
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