Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
A Pelamis Sea Snake wave energy converter, pictured off the coast of Portugal.
It uses the motion of ocean surface waves to create electricity, and is made up
of connected sections which flex and bend as waves pass.
Durability has always been a problem with wave-power electricity generators,
but the Pelamis's design and long, thin shape allows it to resist powerful
hydrodynamic forces. Its joints can even be adjusted to match the environment
it is installed in: to maximize capture efficiency in calm sea or turn it down for a
long life in more violent waters.
machines - each one composed of huge cylinders linked in a sinuous
chain - in waters off Portugal to generate wave power for the Portuguese
grid (Portuguese feed-in tariffs make this profitable).
There are other designs for wave-power generators. One innovation
that would help cut costs is a floating machine called the Wave Treader,
produced by Green Ocean Energy of Aberdeen. This undulating device
is attached to the fixed base of an offshore wind turbine, with the idea of
sharing infrastructure costs with wind operators. Reducing costs is very
important for wave and tidal power developers, who need to make their
machines sufficiently robust to withstand storms, but not so much as to
price themselves out of the market.
For although people may willingly pay extra for a product - be it a
Toyota electric hybrid Prius or heather honey - they won't do so readily for
a commodity. Max Carcas, Pelamis' business development manager, put it
like this in an interview with Greentechmedia: “You don't really invite
your friends home, saying 'Do come and see the quality of my electricity.
It is produced by artisan wave engineers from the north of Scotland.
