What is wave energy?
Wave energy describes energy generated from the power of waves near their surface. Several different types of wave energy conversion devices extract power from motion of waves. These include single point absorbers, such as the Finavera/AquaEnergy Aqua BuOY or Ocean Power Technologies’ Power Buoy, multiple point absorbers like Wavestar energy model and floating attenuator devices, like Ocean Power Delivery’s Pelamis. The power take off device within these systems converts the motion of the waves into electrical energy. Wave power can also be captured through oscillating water columns, which trap waves in a column and change the air pressure in the upper portion which drives a turbine. Wavegen’s LIMPET, a shorebased OWC unit has been operating since 2000. Wave power can also be captured through an overtopping device, which traps waves in a floating pool, which is then released through turbines to generate power. The Wave Dragon employs overtopping technology.
