1. Wave Energy Steven, Sarah, Anna

2. Wave Formation • Waves are formed due to the oscillation of water particles by the frictional drag of wind over the water’s surface.

3. Parts of A Wave Waves have crests (the peak of the wave) and troughs (the lowest point on the wave). The wavelength, or horizontal size of the wave, is determined by the horizontal distance between two crests or two troughs. The vertical size of the wave is determined by the vertical distance between the two. Waves travel in groups called wave trains. Energy output is determined by wave height, wave speed, wavelength, and water density.

4. Waves are a renewable source of energy because they are continuous and regular.

5. Primary Uses of Wave Energy • Electricity for homes, buildings • Desalination plants • Power plants • Water pumps

6. History • The first commercial wave energy converter to generate electricity from offshore waves was the Pelamis (company founded by Dr. Richard Yemm in 1998) prototype which was tested at the European Marine Energy Center between 2004 and 2007. • After the successful testing of the Prototype, Pelamis Wave Power got permission to build the world’s first wave farm off the northwest coast of Portugal in 2008. • Generated electricity at a cost of about 7 cents per kilowatt-hour.

7. The Pelamis Wave Energy Converter is a Scottish-designed wave energy attenuator. Each Pelamis is huge – 140 meters long (459 feet) and 3.5 meters in diameter (11.5 feet). The Pelamis consists of three segments each housing a power generator.           

8. Who uses wave energy? • Wave power varies considerably around the world, also depends on wind in given areas • Best environments are on Western coastlines. Eastern coasts often yield energy resources. Even though some areas have good conditions for wave energy production, there are competing uses of the ocean such as shipping, commercial fishing, naval operations, etc • Wave energy leaders: Portugal, Scotland, Australia, South Africa

9. Wave Energy in the US • Wave energy production is under development in multiple parts of the US. It has surpassed the research stage but is considered more as a back-up plan than a priority because of its expenses. • Developing in various locations including Oregon, New Jersey, and Hawaii.

10. How Waves are Converted Into Electricity • Wave energy converters composed of multiple cylinders are hinged to each other are placed on or offshore (anchored to sea floor) parallel to the direction of waves • When waves hit, they are absorbed by the cylinders which drives hydraulic rams in the connected sections that in turn drive an electric generator. • The electricity travels through cables from the device to the shore.

11. Power Stations

12. Pros of Wave Energy • Emission free  • Renewable • Reliable • Flexibility on location • Area efficient (A wave farm that is occupying less than a half square mile of an ocean would generate enough electricity to power over 20.000 British homes) • Very high energy potential (The energy density is typically around 30-40 kW for every meter (2.2 feet) of wave along the shore) • Very small impact on ocean wildlife • Employment opportunities

13. Cons of Wave Energy • May cause conflicts with tourism and local acceptance • Degrades scenic views • Noise pollution • Highly expensive in early stages • Requires regular maintenance • Could interfere with fishing, shipping, etc • Machinery is at risk during harsh weather conditions at sea

14. Current Events • 2010: Dartmouth University received a $750,000 federal contract to research more efficient methods to measure wave power in the open ocean. • March 2014: Carnegie Wave Energy, a listed developer of renewable energy from waves, has been extended a $20 million, five-year loan by the Clean Energy Finance Corp in hopes that it will help Australia become the main leader in the global switch to green energy.

15. http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/energy/renewable/ocean.phphttp://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/energy/renewable/ocean.php • http://www.21stcentech.com/energy-update-renewable-wave-and-tidal-power-big-play-u-s-australia-europe/ • http://geography.about.com/od/physicalgeography/a/waves.htm • http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology/hydro/wave-power/ • http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Renewable-Energy-Guide/Ocean-Wave-Energy.aspx • http://energyinformative.org/wave-energy-pros-and-cons/ • http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energy/articles/13417.aspx