Wave

Power
It is estimated that if 0.2% of the oceans untapped energy

could be harnessed, it could provide power sufficient for the

entire world.
Tidal
Current
Temperature gradient (OTEC and SWAC)
Salinity
Wave

Compared to other renewables, wave power has

advantages:
Higher availability
More predictable and forecastable: up to 10 hours forecast time
Low viewshed impact

At present, wave energy is estimated at 20-30 cents per

kwh. Coal and wind are 4 to 9 cents per kwh.
Wave power is about 20-30 years behind wind, but it is
predicted that wave power can catch up quickly.

Where Do Waves Come

Uneven heating of the earths surface causes wind.
From?
Wind drives the waves.
Waves are a concentrated form of solar energy.

Wave Mechanics

[Andrews and Jelley, Energy Science: Principles, Technologies, and Impacts]

Water particles move in circular orbit decreasing in radius as

depth increases.
Energy is transmitted, not water.

Wave speed (phase speed)

Using a typical Oregon wave of 100 m wavelength, this gives

a wave speed of around 12 m/s or 25 mph.

g
c
2

Wave Power Propagation

[Andrews and Jelley, Energy Science: Principles, Technologies, and Impacts]

Energy in one wavelength per unit width is

1
1
E ga2 gH 2 J/m 2
2
8

50% of energy is kinetic and the other 50% is potential.

Energy propagates at the group velocity

c 2

g2 H 2T
1
2 g
P cgE gh

16
2
32

1 g
2

W/m

Renewable Comparison
Wind
Power density is approx. 300 W/m2
The theoretical maximum wind power
capture is 59%.
Typically 40% to 50%.
Rural resource. Far from population.
4-9 cents per kWh

Renewable Comparison
Solar (Photo-voltaic)
Power density is approx. 150 W/m2
Generally around 15% efficient.
Urban or rural.
20-30 cents per kWh and falling

Renewable Comparison
Wave
Power density is approx. 30,000 W/m
The theoretical maximum wave power
capture is 100%, although it is highly
device dependent.
For a point absorber (single buoy), the
maximum power capture is 50%.
Typical is yet to be determined.
Coastal. Close to populations.
20-30 cents per kWh

To Absorb a Wave is to Create a

Wave

OSU Facilities to Advance Wave

Power

Wallace Energy Systems and

Renewables Facility
(WESRF)

O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Lab

(HWRL)

OSU - Key Location for Wave Power Research

Wallace Energy Systems and

Renewables Facility (WESRF)

750 KVA Adjustable Power Supply

Variable Voltage input(0-600Vac), 600A
3-phase adjustable (while loaded) for
balanced and unbalanced testing
Highest Power University Lab in the Nation
Enables Multi-Scale energy research
Four Quadrant Dynamometer
Programmable torque/speed
Dynamic Vector Controls 0-4000 rpm
Bidirectional Grid Interface
Regeneration back to the utility grid
Flexible, 300 hp, Motor/Generator test-bed
120KVA programmable source
Transient VLrms=680V
Steady State VLrms= 530V
Frequency range: 45Hz to 2KHz
10 kW Linear Test Bed
2 m/s, 10 kN
1 ms/, 20 kN

OSU - Key Location for Wave Power

Research

O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Lab (HWRL)

Long Wave Fume: 104 m x 3.7 m x 4.6 m

Tsunami Wave Basin: 49 m x 26.5 m x 2.1 m

Wave Energy Conversion

Technologies
Point
Absorber

Attenuator

Oscillating Water
Column

Overtopping

Oscillating Water Column

Wavegen Limpet 500kW

Oceanlinx

Wave Attenuator

The Pelamis by Pelamis Power (Scotland)

150 meters long, 3.5 meters wide
4 segments
750 kVA (approx. 500 homes)

Overtopping

Danish Wave Dragon 4MW

Point Absorber - OPT

Hydraulic
PB 40
40 kW
Testing in Spain

PB 150
150 kW
One planned for summer 2011 in
Oregon and another nine planned
for summer 2012
Approx. 50 foot diameter
Approx. 130 foot height

PB 500

500 kW
Planned for summer 2012
Approx. 50 foot diameter
Approx. 150 foot height

Point Absorber - CPT

[Image courtesy CPT]

250 kW to 1 MW
Fore and aft floats
Surge and heave
extraction
2 DDR generators
1000 to 1800 ton
displacement
20 m diameter
25 m draft

Columbia Power (CPT)

Conceptual Wave Park