History of Wave Energy Conversion

The concept of harnessing energy from ocean waves is not new. However, serious efforts to develop Wave Energy Converters(WECs) began in the 1970s when many countries started investing in renewable energy research during the oil crisis era. One of the earliest WEC designs was the oscillating water column developed by Stephen Salter at the University of Edinburgh in 1973. Since then, several WEC designs have been proposed and prototypes tested across the world. While wave energy is still at a relatively nascent stage of development compared to other renewables, intense research worldwide is helping improve the technology.

Wave Energy Converter Working of a WEC

A Wave Energy Converter operates by capturing the energy from surface waves. Basic components include a floating body interacting with incoming waves, a power take off system to extract kinetic energy, and generators to produce electricity. As waves pass under a floating platform, its motion relative to the stationary seabed is used to drive the power take off mechanism. Common floating structures subjected to waves include point absorbers, attenuators, and overtopping devices. Based on the type of power take off, WECs fall under categories like oscillating water columns, oscillating bodies, and overtopping devices. The power take off system contains hydraulic motors, linear generators or turbines that convert the mechanical motion into electricity suitable for transmission to land. Advanced control systems help optimize energy capture during different sea conditions.

Challenges in Wave Energy Conversion

One of the biggest challenges in wave energy has been achieving cost competitiveness with conventional power sources. While wave power density can be high, capturing even a small fraction of that energy efficiently has been technically difficult. Exposure to harsh marine environments also requires WEC designs withstand corrosion, turbulence, and storms.

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