Wave energy converters

Article By:

Ingram, David M. Institute for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Last reviewed:2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB120364

Since Stephen Salter's seminal paper in 1974, it has been recognized that ocean waves provide a very rich renewable resource from which to generate electricity. The energy resource, which is normally measured in terms of the available wave power per meter of crest width, exceeds 77 kW/m in the North Atlantic. The zones of highest wave power are found between the latitudes of 30° and 60° in both hemispheres. Waves are generated by winds blowing across the surface of the ocean, providing for the natural storage (and concentration) of wind energy in the water near the surface. Once they have been created, surface waves travel thousands of kilometers with little energy loss. As they approach the coastline, however, energy intensity decreases as a result of interaction with the seabed, although reflection and refraction of waves often leads to energy “hot spots.”

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