Generating Electricity From Waves

Several countries are experimenting with wave power – Scotland, UK, and Japan. Wave power prices have been cut almost by half since about 10 years ago, and governments are beginning to take a new look at the technology, which works in areas with jagged coastlines.

Machines with names like Whiplash and Limpet will pioneer the commercial
development of wave power in Britain and Scotland. Government approval guarantees a market and premium price for generators of green power plants during the costly
start-up phase.

Whiplash is a steel tube 100 metres long and 3.4 metres wide, with about
15 special joints. It is moored into the ocean floor and it undulates with the waves. Pumps inside each segment force oil down the pipe to a hydraulic motor. The motor drives a generator and the electricity moves through an undersea cable to shore.

Two Whiplash machines, able to generate 750 kilowatts, will be installed a mile offshore. Dr. Yemm, 30, the inventor, says, “This is a very important start for wave power. We are starting to get the same support as wind power.” European Commission studies indicate that Britain could generate all its electricity from waves if .1 per cent of the wave energy around the coast was collected.

The Scottish Renewables Obligation, and the UK/Wales Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation, commission the projects through a levy that households pay to reduce greenhouse gases. The first offshore wind projects in the area are up next for funding. Wave and wind power go well together. Wind turbines can sit on top of wave
machines.

In Japan, the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC) has been
running an wave power experiment since December. A giant floating box with an air chamber is attached to a turbine. As the waves crash in, they force air out of
the chamber which drives the turbine.

JAMSTEC: http://www.jamstec.go.jp

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