Is wave power a viable solution to the
planets energy crisis? Many blue energy innovations have tried to
storm into the market, but few ever make it past the break water. The
Israeli Eco Wave Power is the latest sea surfer to challenge the
salty wave.
History of Wave Power
The concept of harvesting energy from
the waves dates back more than a century ago. Although the list of
technologies built to convert sea and ocean swells into electricity
or desalinated water are extensive, only a handful have contributed
much significance to the global demand. The reasons are what you
would expect; expensive technology/maintenance, fugly appearance,
interruption of fishing zones, and concerns over marine ecology.
First Wave Farm 2008
The worlds first Aguçadoura Wave Farm
was built off the coast of Portugal in 2008. The Pelamis machine only
lasted for 2 months before the bearings encountered an unrepairable
technical problem. Since then, numerous competitors have constructed
various wave farms and technologies, and some are in operation today.
The Pelamis Machine
Recent Wave Power Technologies
S.D.E. is a technology also originating
from Israel, which predates Eco Wave Power. More recently SwellFuel
created a couple Ocean Energy Converters. The Australian company
BioPower Systems is set to launch a pilot project. And another
breakthrough in wave power technology is the triboelectric
nanogenerator.
Eco Wave Power (EWP)
EWP plans
to open a 50 MW medium scale power plant in China which is a
significant Wattage with respect to wave power. The EWP company is
committed and offers manufacturing, assembly, installation, operation
and maintenance services. The most significant EWP highlight is the
proximity to land. This not only saves a ton on maintenance and start
up costs, but reduces the offshore environmental concerns. This is a
huge win for EWP because it allows them to be cost competitive in the
marketplace amongst wind, solar, and even oil & gas. Plus being
the most environmentally friendly wave technology it stands to
capture the hearts of even the surfers.
The other noteworthy aspect of the EWP
technologies are the unique designs. The Eco “Wave Clapper” and
“Power Wing” have specialized characteristics suited for
different sea conditions. Although their technical descriptions could
use some tuneups, it is clear these devices contain sophisticated
technology. The ‘Power Wing’ and its funny shape is designed to absorb
energy from irregular waves that have perpendicular motion. Its
design also serves to reduce the load on the fixed structure, and
allows wave reflux helping with its efficiency. The ‘Wave Clapper’ is
even more complex and has an optimized hydro dynamic design suited for 3 different wave heights.
They both have several interesting mechanisms to protect themselves
during storms. Both can crank themselves all the way up, or take in
water and fold all the way down in a vertical position. Have a look at the Eco
Wave Power site for a complete list of cool features.
Energy Budgets
Although these wave devices are awesome, they still
raise questions about the overall consequences of transferring energy
from the oceanic system. The effects are likely negligible, but
should be considered as emergent plans are scaled up. Often with so called renewable energy
we forget that it is part of an existing finite system. The
conservation of energy law states that energy can not be created nor
destroyed, but only transferred and transformed. Wind farms dampen
the atmospheric system, current solar collection increases planetary
heat. Extracting energy from the wind or oceans has a measurable
effect on the planet. Although offsetting green house gasses is a
step forward, we should not forget to consider the possible effects
that large scale alternative energy farms can have on our earth’s
energy equilibrium.
