0% found this document useful (0 votes)
63 views46 pages

Wave Energy Generation from Ships Report

Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
63 views46 pages

Wave Energy Generation from Ships Report

Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

WAVE ENERGY GENERATION FROM SHIP

A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by

CADET. KRISHAN KUMAR


(2003608036)
CADET. KARTIKEY
BHANDARI (2003608033)
CADET. KARAN KUMAR
(2003608032)
CADET. GAURAV RANA
(2003608025)

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Dr. K. SIVASAMI

in partial fulfillment for the award of the


degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

in

MARINE ENGINEERING

INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY


CHENNAI 600 119

JUNE 2024
INDIAN MARITIME
UNIVERSITY CHENNAI 600119

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this Project Report “WAVE ENERGY GENERATION


FROM SHIP” is the bonafide work of
1. CADET KRISHAN KUMAR(2003608036)
2. CADET. KARTIKEY BHANDARI (2003608033)
3. CADET KARAN KUMAR (2003608032)
4. CADET GAURAV RANA (2003608025)
who carried out the Project work under my supervision.

SIGNATURE
Dr. K. SIVASAMI
GUIDE & HEAD- SMET

Submitted for the UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS held on: ...………….

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER


ABSTRACT

From decades, Earth is reminding humans to find better ways to produce power
rather than burning fossil fuels which would result in the emission of harmful
gases into the environment. The world energy consumption is expected to increase
substantially in the next decade and if the same negligence towards the
environment continues, there will be a day when no clean air would be available.
Traditional practices of producing energy, regularly reminds us the serious threat
they pose to the environment. Thus there is a need to produce independent and
clean electricity. Wave energy can be observed as a possible clean energy
resource which can be exploited for power generation purposes. While this
method is relatively new and economically competitive, there is a growing trend
towards it, which is gaining interest from government and industries. A vital
feature of these waves is that they have the highest energy density when compared
to
other renewable energy resources.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE
NO.
ABSTRACT
LIST OF FIGURES 3
LIST OF TABLES 4
1 INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 Overview of Wave Energy
1.2 Wave Energy Potential
1.3 Environmental Impact
1.4 Geographical Distribution of Wave Energy
1.5 Historical Context and Development
1.6 Challenges and Considerations in
Wave Energy Development
1.7 Wave Energy Conversion Mechanisms
1.8 Factors Influencing WEC Design
1.9 Ongoing Research and Future Prospects

2 ENERGY STORAGE 9
3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 12
4 WAVE FORMATION 15
5 BENEFITS OF WAVE ENERGY 18

1
6 CHALLENGES OF WAVE ENERGY 20

7 WAVE ENERGY CONVERTERS 22

8 TYPES OF TRANSDUCERS 28
8.1 Mechanical Devices
8.2 Hydraulic Devices
9 ANOTHER METHOD 30

10 STATE OF THE ART EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES 31

11 CASE STUDY 36

12 CONCLUSION 40

2
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure no. Figure Page


no
1 Global wave power distribution in kW/m 15
2 (a) Formation of waves due to storm 16
(b) Sea waves propagation
3 Wave potential in India 17
4 Point Absorber 22
5 Oscillating water column 23
6 Attenuators 24
7 Overtopping device 24
8 Surface following devices 25
9 Hybrid wave energy converter 26
10 Terminators 27
11 Electricity Generation Process 28
12 Turbine Converting Wave energy into electricity 29
13 General Hydraulic System 29
14 MEDIRAS project MD pilot plant installed in Pantelleria 37
15 Possible layout and array of WECs farm 38

3
LIST OF TABLES

[Link] TITLE PAGE NO.


TABLE 1 STATE OF THE ART 31
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES

4
1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Overview of Wave Energy

Sea waves are recognized as one of the most potent carriers of renewable
energy, boasting significant energy resources across all geographical areas.
Scientists estimate that ocean waves have the potential to generate
approximately 2 Terawatt (TW) of energy annually on a global scale. This
immense energy capacity underscores the importance of wave energy in
the broader context of renewable energy sources and its potential role in
addressing global energy demands sustainably.

1.2. Wave Energy Potential

The theoretical global energy potential from ocean waves is about 8×10 ⁶
Terawatt hours (TWh) per year, which is roughly 100 times the total
hydroelectric power generated worldwide. To produce this amount of
energy using fossil fuels would result in 2 million tons of CO₂ emissions.
This stark comparison highlights the significant environmental benefits of
wave energy, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based
energy sources.

5
1. 3 Environmental Impact

Utilizing wave energy aligns with the goals of the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at
reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change. Wave energy can
significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing
fossil fuels, which currently account for about 80% of the gross primary
energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that fossil fuels
will continue to dominate energy consumption by 2030, making the
adoption of cleaner technologies like wave energy even more critical.

1.4. Geographical Distribution of Wave Energy


The world’s coastline, spanning 8×10⁵ km, exhibits a wave power density
exceeding 30 kW/m in many areas. In India, the average wave energy
potential is around 14 kW/m along its 7,500 km shoreline. Even with just
10% utilization, this could result in substantial energy generation, ranging
from 3,750×10³ to 7,500×10³ kW. These figures highlight the vast
geographical distribution and potential for wave energy exploitation across
different regions.

1.5. Historical Context and Development


The exploration of large-scale tidal waves began in 1924, focusing on
utilizing electric stations, ship locks, and powerhouses on various islands.
Over the years, the development of wave energy converters (WECs) has
seen the creation of diverse models and sizes. Despite the advancements,
the process remains costly due to the sophisticated technology required,
indicating a need for continuous innovation and investment in this field.

6
1.6. Challenges and Considerations in Wave Energy Development
The development of WECs involves significant costs related
to
construction, maintenance, and infrastructure setup. Larger devices,
although more efficient in energy generation, often lead to higher expenses
compared to smaller ones. Unlike wind energy, where increasing the swept
area can enhance energy output, WECs face limitations due to their optimal
size from inception, posing challenges for further product development and
scalability.

1.7. Wave Energy Conversion Mechanisms


The arbitrary nature of wave motion necessitates mechanisms to convert
the unsteady input into a steady electrical output. This process involves
absorbers like buoys that capture wave energy, which is then converted
into electricity through Linear Permanent Magnet Generators or via
stages using Hydraulic and Mechanical transducers. Selecting the right
converters is crucial, factoring in life span, durability, reliability, and
efficiency to maximize the energy harvested from waves.

[Link] Influencing WEC Design


Designing efficient WECs requires careful consideration of multiple factors,
including the expected lifespan, durability, and overall reliability of the device.
Additionally, the location of WEC implementation plays a vital role, as each site
presents unique requirements and constraints that must be addressed to optimize
energy generation and ensure the sustainability of the project.

1.9. Ongoing Research and Future Prospects

7
Research into improving the efficiency of WEC systems is ongoing, focusing on

8
enhancing the overall performance and reducing costs. Innovations in materials,
design, and energy conversion technologies hold promise for the future of wave
energy. As these advancements continue, wave energy could play a more
prominent role in the global renewable energy landscape, contributing
significantly to sustainable development goals.

9
2. ENERGY STORAGE
The Energy obtained as a result of the process is to be stored using a suitable
storage device. These storage devices can be short term storage devices or long
time storage devices depending upon the use. Some of the Short term storage
devices are Capacitors, Super Capacitors and Super Conducting Magnetic Energy
storage. Some of the technologies that use capacitor for energy storage
are electrolytic capacitors, film capacitors and ceramic capacitors. In spite of
having high frequency applications and low equivalent resistance, Ceramic
capacitors have poor aging characteristics. To store large volumes of power
Electrolyte capacitors are typically used relative to other capacitors (non-SC) with
a relatively high capacity. Electrolytes are frequently used to maintain bus
voltage to contain power fluctuations in DC-link programs on power converters.

For such characteristics, Electrolytics can be used as electrical energy devices in


wave energy generation because large power deviations can be seen during wave
energy generation. Super Capacitors are very good at rapid discharging and with
the ability to discharge all of its stored energy instantaneously. In Super capacitors,
it could be noted that the capacitances in the region of kilo Farad can be achieved,
but currently at too high cost. In this capacitor the stored energy is given
by 𝐸=12𝐶𝑉2 which yields that the stored energy is proportional to capacitance.
Super conducting magnetic energy storage is a type of short-time storing device
which consists of a coil made of super conducting material whose temperature
when cooled below the critical temperature allows the coil to super conduct. The
energy is stored in magnetic field due to current flowing in the coil. Indefinite
amount of energy can be stored and the current will not degrade until the
temperature is maintained below critical. Super conducting magnetic energy

10
storage is still in its development stage and it is costlier than the other energy
storage systems. It consists of important part such as a refrigerator, which will
help to increase the vulnerability of the rough wave climate, as well as increase the
required space and mechanical maintenance. For these reasons, small and medium
enterprises are not considered as ocean-dependent energy applications. In flywheel
Energy storage, a cylinder is used with a shaft that rotates in a robust enclosure. In
order to reduce the frictional losses the magnet levitates the cylinder. This system
is in turn connected to the motor or generator. In flywheel Energy storage, the
motor is used to convert the electric energy from which rotational speed of the
shaft can be increased. Some of the long-time storage devices
are Batteries, Hydrogen Fuel Storage, Compressed Air Energy Storage and
Pumped Hydroelectric.

The best way of storing excess energy is by a hydrogen based fuel-cell in


which Electrolyser is created by hydrogen gas and is stored in a high
pressure tanks. The fuel-cell can then be dispatched when necessary. In the recent
few years further analysis has been done and it has been concluded that with the
available technology, losses during storing and dispatching are too high, and the
optimism related to hydrogen use seem to have declined. Other very widely used
long-time storing devices are Batteries. Batteries have become very popular in
the last few decades. An electrochemical battery consists of at least
two electrochemical cells. A cell consists of two electrodes and an electrolyte
material. In the oxidation- reduction process, electric current is created due to the
chemical reaction at the electrodes . Compressed Air Energy Storage device aims
at compressing air using excess or inexpensive energy to compress and store air.
In smaller plants, the air can be stored in tanks but in large scale plants, the air is
stored in under-ground caverns. Due to the increase in demand or when the prices

11
are higher, the energy stored is released. The compressed air is released into a
combustion turbine generator system in order to generate electricity.

12
3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Wave energy has a positive effect on the environment, which reduces the amount
of harmful gases that can be emitted to extract the same amount of energy as the
WEC produces. According to Fadaeenejad et al. the use of wave energy in the
offshore islands has a positive impact on tourism as these islands have a stable
development and a high quality environment. The Institute of Electrical Power
Engineering (2004) also noted that WEC’s safe water can be used to engage in
some types of water sports. Thus, WEC’s will have a significant and positive
impact on leisure and tourism. When wave transmitters are installed on the sea,
effective agricultural zones will not disappear. Bedard concluded that the
installation, operation, maintenance and discharge of these WEC’s will present the
additional benefit of being the most environmental friendly technology .

Like other energy sources, the wave energy also has environmental and economic
consequences that need to be taken into account when planning a new facility.
Many environmental issues related to wave energy are similar to the marine wind
power schemes. Lessons from offshore oil, wind and other ocean-based industries
can provide important information when designing to minimize the effects of wave
energy on the environment. The environmental interaction of WEC’s with the
marine environment can be defined as negative and positive . The possible effects
on organisms, livestock, fish, habitat and others have been largely investigated by
Frid et al. , Inger et al. , Linley , Simmonds et al. . They noted the potential for loss
/ weakness of habitats, such as marine vertebrates, marine mammals and large fish
to determine the negative effects of such waves farms, the risk of collision with
deep noise emissions and electromagnetic fields, as well as the ability to operate as
an artificial reef as well as reconstruct the damaged ecosystems that have

13
previously demonstrated their success in improving biodiversity and fisheries .
The impact on the environment varies with the extent of the project and depends
on the location and ecosystems in the region. An effective EIA investigation is
essential to establish a system for monitoring the environment, which is a key
element that determines the life cycle of a transducer. Leeney et al. conducted a
research on different MRI sites (Wave and tidal) in northern Europe, using the data
from SOFIA project collected via questionnaires in particular, the authors
classified
the environmental assessment of the devises at the different sites in eight
environmental categories during the monitoring program which are marine
mammals, Benthos, fish and fish habitat, sea birds, marine vertebrates and other
marine organisms at different locations and medium. Coastal and near-coast
schemes may affect coastal erosion due to changes in currents and waves. Pulse
velocity, amplitude of waves and water flow can be proportional to the size of the
array. This may damage the unit when installing wave energy. Many rods, concrete
blocks, anchors and chains are secured to the ocean floor. Land preparation may
include depending on the sea beds and washing the seabed to install electric cables.

Ocean degradation depends on the number of devices to be installed and the


anchor systems used. Wave energy does not emit greenhouse gases and other
atmospheric pollutants in the production of electricity, and emissions arise at its
construction, transportation and other stages of its life cycle. There are also
impacts from the leakage and release of oils, fluids, bio-fouling paints into the sea
from hydraulic rams, power trains etc., Except for the area of the sea installations,
local fishing may be affected. Floating devices can be used to give priority to some
seafood and habitats, as well as there should be restriction to access the fishing
sites and restriction to the access of network, cables and power cables. However as

14
in the seas, fishing activities may be beyond the scope of the installation. Marine

15
mammals may be vulnerable to floating structures or may act as seagoing and
migratory barriers affecting the flora and fauna of the seabed. Many offshore
wind installations are directly fixed to the seabed, and anchor lines can pose a
threat to some animals, especially large whales. Liquid microwave devices can
also encourage seafarers to use buildings as temporary boards. WEC may be a
navigation hazard for carriage, because their low profile may cause complex visual
or radar detection. Potentially impacting traffic during nighttime, when wave
energy devices break out at night or break up in storms in their boats. Also,
boosting ship movement in the area of maintenance and repairs may affect the
quality of water due to potential oil spills. Noise from these devises may affect
whales and dolphins that use hunting echoes, especially in harsh conditions. For
coastal and coastline devices, operating noise levels pollute local noise on the
beach or coast.

However, when it is fully functional, no noise can be generated by masking


through the natural noise of the wind and waves. Offshore and nearby facilities
may affect some types of swimming and water sports on floating surfaces.
Underwater diving and water skiing can use a shelter provided by these facilities,
but swimming and sailing may suffer. There can be visual effects of large
installations on tourism and the depth of water required by nearby devices can be
several hundred yards from the sea shore. Deployment on land and land
installations, such as platforms, anchors and cables, can change the flow of water
and sands around the building. Water speed changes affect the coastal erosion and
sediment, stones and pebbles. Slow or limited water flow
increases sludge deposition. These environmental problems can only be
regarded as difficulties, and humans are required to produce pure energy without
affecting the environment.

16
4. WAVE FORMATION
The distribution of wave energy around the world can be seen using
following Fig. 1 This shows the wave density at different parts of the world
in
kW/m . A combination of forces due to gravity, marine tension and air intensity
are key factors in the production of marine waves.

Fig. 1. Global wave power distribution in kW/m

The Fig. 2(a) Represent the formation of sea waves in the storm. The wavelength
is achieved by wind velocity, the depth and topography of the sea (concentrating or
disseminating wave energy). Waves of sea have a regular shape at far distance this
phenomenon is called as swell. Wind-driven water particles show circular
trajectories with the maximum radius on the surface and goes on decreasing with
depth. This combination of circular movement is responsible for the wave
formation and proper distribution, as shown in the Fig. 2(b) The distance between
17
the two crests or two troughs determines the wavelength. The height of the wave
H (crest to trough) is proportional to the air intensity and its duration. The
frequency 𝑓=1/𝑇 specifies the number of waves to appear in unit time. As a result,
the velocity of the wave will be 𝑣=𝜆/𝑡=𝜆/𝑓. The ratio 𝜆/2𝐻 are called the wave
declivity and this value is greater than 1/7, the waves are unstable and disappear.
Long-term waves have relatively long wavelengths and move fast. In general, large
waves are strong.

Fig. 2. (a) Formation of waves due to storm and (b) Sea waves propagation

The western coasts of four shallow water areas and east coasts waves of India are
studied on the basis of data collected from one year of measurements and the
variations are reviewed . The study indicates that 83-85% of the electricity
generation occur during the summer monsoon period (June-September). Near
Pondicherry Coast, the wave of 31.8 kW/m was the most cost effective. The power
generation during summer monsoon is higher than usual; the western coast of India
has higher capacity than eastern coast (15.5 to 19.3 kW/m). In the study it has been
found that on the contrary, the power generation in the studied locations is lower
than the hot zones (1.8 to 7.6 kW/m). The wave power potential in India as shown
in Fig. 3.

18
Fig. 3. Wave potential in India

19
5. BENEFITS OF WAVE ENERGY

Wave energy, derived from the power of ocean waves, offers several benefits:
1. Renewable Resource: Waves are a perpetual and abundant source of energy,
driven primarily by wind and tides. Unlike fossil fuels, wave energy is
renewable and sustainable, as long as the Earth's oceans exist.

2. Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Wave energy generation produces minimal


greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, which helps mitigate
climate change and reduces air pollution.

3. Predictability: Unlike some other renewable energy sources like solar and
wind, which can be intermittent and unpredictable, ocean waves are relatively
constant and can be forecasted with reasonable accuracy, allowing for more
reliable energy generation.

4. High Energy Density: The energy density of ocean waves is much higher
than that of wind or solar energy, making wave energy a potentially more
efficient source of power generation, particularly in coastal regions with strong
wave activity.

5. Less Visual Impact: Wave energy devices can be located offshore and may
not have as significant a visual impact as some other renewable energy
technologies like wind turbines or solar farms. This makes them more socially
acceptable in many coastal communities.

6. Long Lifespan: Wave energy devices, once installed, can have a long lifespan
20
with minimal maintenance requirements, providing a stable source of energy over
many years.

7. Potential for Co-location with Other Uses: Wave energy projects can be
integrated with other activities such as aquaculture, desalination plants, or
marine transport infrastructure, offering opportunities for synergies and co-
benefits.

8. Job Creation and Economic Development: Developing wave energy projects


can create jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and operation,
contributing to local economies, especially in coastal regions.

9. Energy Independence: Harnessing wave energy can help reduce dependence on


imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security for countries with suitable
coastal resources.

10. Innovation and Technological Development: The development of wave energy


technologies stimulates innovation and advances in engineering, materials
science, and marine technology, which can have broader applications beyond
energy generation.

21
6. CHALLENGES OF WAVE ENERGY

While wave energy holds significant promise as a renewable energy source, it also
faces several challenges:
1. Technological Immaturity: Many wave energy conversion technologies are
still in the early stages of development and lack maturity compared to other
renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This immaturity can result in
higher costs, technical uncertainties, and reliability issues.

2. Harsh Marine Environment: Operating in the ocean presents significant


challenges due to corrosive saltwater, extreme weather conditions, and the risk
of damage from storms, waves, and marine life. These factors can increase
maintenance costs and reduce the lifespan of wave energy devices.

3. High Capital Costs: The initial capital costs of installing wave energy
devices can be substantial, particularly for offshore installations where
construction, transportation, and installation expenses are higher. This can
hinder the commercial viability of wave energy projects, especially in
comparison to other more established renewable energy sources.

4. Low Energy Density: While wave energy has a high energy density compared
to some other renewable sources, it is still relatively low compared to fossil fuels.
This means that large-scale deployment of wave energy devices may be necessary
to generate significant amounts of electricity, which can increase infrastructure
costs and environmental impacts.

22
5. Intermittency and Variability: Like other renewable energy sources, wave
energy is intermittent and variable, depending on factors such as weather patterns,
seasonal variations, and tidal cycles. This variability can complicate grid
integration and require backup energy sources or energy storage systems to
ensure a stable supply of electricity.

6. Environmental Impact: The deployment of wave energy devices can have


environmental impacts, including habitat disturbance, alteration of sediment
transport patterns, and potential harm to marine wildlife from collisions or
electromagnetic fields generated by underwater cables. Proper site selection
and environmental impact assessments are essential to minimize these risks.

7. Regulatory and Permitting Challenges: Developing wave energy projects


often requires navigating complex regulatory frameworks and obtaining
numerous permits from multiple government agencies. Delays in the permitting
process can increase project costs and uncertainty for developers.

8. Public Acceptance and Stakeholder Engagement: Wave energy projects can


face opposition from local communities, environmental groups, and other
stakeholders concerned about visual impacts, navigational hazards, fishing
conflicts, and other potential negative effects. Effective stakeholder engagement
and public outreach are critical for gaining support and addressing concerns.
Addressing these challenges will require continued research and development,
investment in infrastructure, policy support, and collaboration among stakeholders
to unlock the full potential of wave energy as a clean and sustainable energy
source.

23
[Link] ENERGY CONVERTERS

Various types of wave energy converters:

1. Point Absorbers: These converters consist of floating buoys or platforms


that are tethered to the seabed. They absorb energy from the vertical motion
of waves, converting it into mechanical or electrical energy. Point absorbers
are versatile and can be deployed in various wave conditions.

Fig 4 Point Absorber

24
2. Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs): OWCs utilize a partially submerged
chamber open to the sea. As waves enter the chamber, the water level rises and
falls, causing the air inside to move back and forth. This oscillating air flow
drives a turbine or generator, converting wave energy into electricity. OWCs are
relatively simple and have low environmental impact.

Fig 5 Oscillating water column

3. Attenuators: Attenuators are long, multi-body devices that float parallel to the
wave direction. As waves pass along the length of the attenuator, each segment
moves independently, generating mechanical motion or hydraulic pressure that can
be converted into electricity. Attenuators can capture energy from a large area of
the wave front and are suitable for deployment in regions with consistent wave
direction

25
.

Fig 6. Attenuators

4. Overtopping Devices: These devices typically consist of a sloping or stepped


structure that allows waves to overtop and fill a reservoir located at a higher
elevation. The captured water is then released through turbines, generating
electricity. Overtopping devices are often used in combination with conventional
hydropower technology and can be cost-effective for large-scale installations.

Fig 7. Overtopping device

26
5. Surface Following Devices: These converters move with the motion of the
waves, capturing energy from both the vertical and horizontal movement of the
water surface. They can take various forms, such as floating platforms,
articulated bodies, or flexible membranes, and typically use hydraulic or
mechanical mechanisms to convert wave motion into electricity.

Fig 8 Surface following devices

27
6. Hybrid Systems: Hybrid wave energy converters combine two or more
conversion mechanisms to improve overall efficiency and reliability. For
example, a device may incorporate both point absorbers and oscillating water
columns to capture energy from different wave characteristics or operate in
conditions.
varying sea

Fig 9 Hybrid wave energy converter

7. Terminators: Terminators are fixed structures positioned perpendicular to the


wave direction, causing waves to refract around them. The resulting wave
diffraction generates areas of high and low pressure that can be harnessed to
drive turbines or oscillating water columns. Terminators are still in the
experimental stage but have the potential to be efficient and environmentally
friendly.

28
Fig 10 Terminators

Each type of wave energy converter has its advantages and limitations, depending
on factors such as wave climate, site conditions, deployment location, and
technological maturity. Continued research and development are essential to
optimize performance, reduce costs, and increase the scalability of wave energy
conversion technologies.

29
8. TYPES OF TRANSDUCERS

There are different ways by which the energy can be generated. Some of them use
Hydraulic transducers, Electrical Transducers and some use Mechanical
transducers. The steps in conversion of wave motion into electricity are as shown
in Fig. 12.

Fig. 11. Electricity Generation Process

8.1. Mechanical Devices

Some mechanical devices are gear arrangements, Pelton turbines, wells turbine,
etc. The drawback of using these is that they are bulky and also provide less
efficiency. Flywheels are also used to provide a steady rotational output as shown
in Fig. 13

30
Fig. 12. Turbine Converting Wave energy into electricity

8.2. Hydraulic Devices

Hydraulic devices are used as they are reliable and durable than the rest. A
typical hydraulic system consists of pumps, reservoirs, hoses, piping, piston
arrangements, incompressible fluid, etc. Hydraulic motors are also used.
Hydraulic devices have a disadvantage that they are bulky, costly and occupy lots
of space as shown 13.

Fig. 13. General Hydraulic System

31
[Link] METHOD
The model uses incoming water from the openings created in the side ship shell
and is drawn into a tube, in this tube we have a turbine system connected so as that
it rotates the turbine, the turbine shaft is connected to the generator which
produces electricity. The water is then sent along the tube which have an opening
along with side ship sell and is sent out to sea.
This system justifies the absence of the shaft generator and can also increase
maneuverability of the ship which can help to reduce time required by ship to turn
in either direction.
All in all we remove the shaft generator and bow thrusters and we install this
system to get benefit of both the components in one system. This arrangement has
minimal leak design and minimal maintenance requirements as this system has
only one moving part rest all are integrated parts. The expandable parts would be
the sealing gaskets that would seal the shaft coming out of tube which would
prevent sea water from coming inside the ship.

32
10. STATE OF THE ART EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES

1 Salter came with an idea in which he


Salter proposed a design of a system where a
vertical vane is mounted on a hollow
cylindrical member with paraxial ridges
on its surface rotates due to wave motion
and generates electricity and it promised
an efficiency of 40%
2 Clément et al. The European theme network for wave
energy was created with the participation
of representatives of wave energy from
14 different European countries and they
came up with various technologies and
designs for wave energy conversion
3 Kofoed et al. Danish company built an overtopping type
of wave energy converter called as Wave
dragon, it was the first offshore wave
energy converter
4 Authors have proposed and analysed a
Szabo et al. direct driven wave power conversion
system to be placed in the Black Sea near
the Romania shores. They focused mainly
on linear generator of wave energy
converter and its power electronic and

33
control systems.

5 Cameron et al. Aquamarine power installed Oyster is


a hydro-electric wave energy device
that uses the motion of ocean waves to
generate electricity
6 In their proposed work how to convert
Boström energy from ocean waves into electrical
energy in the existing several
technologies. The generator is placed on
sea bed and driven by a point absorbing
buoy on the ocean surface. Several units
are interconnected to increase the total
installed power. The author also
investigated how the linear generator will
operate with different load condition. Off
shore experimental and simulation studies
are carried out on full scale generators
connected to four different loads.
7 The conditions for testing the prototype
Pecher et al. are very important. Energy production
depends on the characteristics of the wave,
they are, standard deviation from sea
level, mean wave period, wave
frequencies,
wave power. Scaling of the prototype is to

34
be done using the Froude’s scaling law,
and the scale factor should be same for
both wave conditions and the prototype
8 Jochen Bard and Peter Kracht published a
Bard and Kracht report on Structural Design of Wave
Energy Devices and their testing.
Hydraulics seemed to be the most
favorable option for hydropower systems
that are closer to commercialization
9 It has been found that at least 15 months
Faizal et al. of the data should be required for the
installation of the wave energy at a
particular site to check the available
resources. In that, 12 months are required
to check the data regarding different
seasons and additional 3 months are
required to check the repeatability of the
obtained data
10 Renzi et al. Renzi E of Loughborough University
stated that the Oyster had recently
generated 1 megawatt of energy
11
Shi et al. There are also devices that are
huge, having a large single buoy,
which is slowly reciprocates due to
the wave
motion and hydraulic systems are used for

35
transducing purposes and then a generator
to produce electricity

12 Chandrasekaran and A fully Mechanical device was used at


Raghavi IIT Madras to generate electricity from
wave energy. They used a cylindrical
buoy connected to a lever and on the other
side were counter weights; a
unidirectional gear is present which
converts the oscillatory motion into
unidirectional rotary motion, a flywheel to
compensate for the variations in wave and
a generator that converts rotation into
electricity by using the principle of
electromagnetic induction. The efficiency
was found to be
23%
13 Ocean waves are being recognized as a
Titah-Benbouzid and resource to be exploited for the sustainable
Benbouzid generation of electrical power. This paper
has proposed an up-to-date review of the
most recent trends regarding main wave
energy converter technologies describing,
analyzing and fixing many of the concepts
behind wave energy conversion with
respect to overviews already published in
the past years. In addition, mooring has

36
been discussed and has been shown to be a
key feature behind massive deployment of
wave energy converters. Based on their
study the authors are highlighted some
challenges that needs to be overcome to
enlarge the vision of large-scale
commercial arrays of wave energy
converters.
14 Angre and Joshi the Pacific Community worked on a
project to estimate the cost range for
energy generation using wave energy
device considering the geography and
environmental conditions of the site for
energy generation

TABLE 1 STATE OF THE ART EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES

37
11. CASE STUDY

Case Study in Pantelleria: An Application of Wave Energy to


Desalination Plant Pilot
This is generated burning more than 10 million litres of diesel each year at a cost
of over 1 euro a litre. With a hybrid system and thanks to the solar installation, fuel
consumption is expected to fall by more than 7 million litres a year: that translates
into 10.5 million euros a year of cost savings and 20,725 metric tons of CO2
emission reductions
In recent years, this value is increased because the electrical energy produced is
used by desalination plant of the island.
The island’s drinking water network is supplied by the flow rate produced by two
desalination plants “Sataria” and “Maggiuluveddi”. In the table 1 we can find some
technical specification and data.
These systems have been entrusted by Sicilian government to an operational
manager. Sataria plant cleans directly seawater while the second (Maggiuluveddi)
purifies brackish water from Valenza well.
Several small-scale solar – powered membrane distillation (MD) demonstration
pilot system has been installed in Pantelleria . This system has a targeted
production capacity of 5 [m3/ day] powered simultaneously by solar energy and
waste heat from

38
the local diesel power plant. In particular, about 30% of the heat source was
provided from the solar panel collectors and 70% from waste heat from a diesel
engine.

Figure 14. MEDIRAS project MD pilot plant installed in Pantelleria

Another interesting project is the recent installation of four RO (reverse osmosis)


produced by PROTECNO srl. The system purifies a total flow of 462.5 m3/h with
a total of 11,100 m3/d of water. The water to desalinate is taken directly from the
sea, to be subjected to three successive stages: the pre-treatment in ultrafiltration,
desalting in reverse osmosis and finally the re-mineralization.
Although these systems provide high energy savings, it could be a sustainable
choice meeting the electricity needs with renewable energy sources as wave
energy. Due to its strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea, the Pantelleria
Island is a suitable site to produce electrical energy from the wave source.
In literature we find studies about interesting wave energy potential for
Pantelleria’s coastline. To give an example, ENEA investigated along the island
and developed a new simulation software to estimate wave parameters (height or
period). In fact, the medium annual extractable power is about 7 kW/m. This is a
great value, permitting the intallation of a wave farm in the Mediterranean Sea. In
addition, the theoretical annual extractable energy is about 60 MWh/m, while the
main direction of the wave front is North-West. Moreover, the significant wave
height is less than 4 meters .
39
The “Politecnico di Torino” developed other researches to quantify the average
power along Pantelleria’s coastline, using a Nortek AWAC buoy, installed at 800
meters from North-West Pantelleria’s island. The images below inserted are the
results of Politecnico’ study.
This instrument is able to measure all main parameters that characterize the wave
climate, such as Peak period Tp (in seconds), Significant wave Height Hs (in
meters), and Main direction
The shows the Scattering Table of extractable energy along North-West coasts of
Pantelleria. The maximum annual energy is connected to significant wave height
from 1 meter to 3 meter. The average annual wave power estimated by[26] is 7
kW/m.
In DEIM laboratory, several tests of small scale of electrical devices are
performed. the overall conversion efficiency can be fixed equal to 50%, so every
Point Absorber is able to produce about 120 MWh/year of electrical energy. These
electrical devices will be installed along a line(Fig 17). Their direction is normal
to the dominant direction of the wave front, so we able to minimize any
interference phenomenon. The resulting working rate is about 1,500 h/years. So
this value could satisfy electrical energy need of desalination plants that use
different technology (MD or RO).

Figure 15. Possible layout and array of WECs farm

40
This work was born from research field Nexus Water and Energy, in fact
desalination represents the best example of interconnection among these different
resources. We present a possible integration among desalination plant adopted in
Pantelleria (real system or small scale pilot) and wave energy. The island has an
average annual wave power of 7 kW/m. If we use WECs above presented, it will
convert 120 MWh/year of electrical energy. Due to their fragile environment and
the need to protect their resources, islands are natural laboratories for climate
change adaptation and integrated solutions concerning energy or water.

41
[Link]

In conclusion, the vast potential of wave energy as a renewable resource holds


promise for addressing global energy needs while mitigating environmental
impacts. With its abundance and predictability, wave energy stands as a viable
alternative to fossil fuels, offering low greenhouse gas emissions and high energy
density. Despite its benefits, challenges such as technological immaturity, harsh
marine environments, and high capital costs persist. However, ongoing research
and development, along with innovative wave energy converter designs, aim to
overcome these obstacles. As the world seeks cleaner and more sustainable energy
solutions, harnessing the power of ocean waves presents a compelling opportunity
for a greener future.
In addition to addressing energy needs, wave energy projects can stimulate
economic development, create job opportunities, and promote technological
innovation. Overcoming challenges through continued investment and
collaboration can unlock the full potential of wave energy, contributing to a more
sustainable and resilient energy landscape for future generations.

42
REFERENCES

1. [Link]

2. [Link]

converters/

3. [Link]

4. [Link]

5. [Link]

6. [Link]

7. [Link]

conversion

8. [Link]

[Link]

9. [Link]

energy- conversion?

gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsPCyBhD4ARIsAPa

aRf1iIACFoOF7HlVPdJ2ruwdALCCQhIQQm3TrU3CqzXZG-

j1CqIl2GecaAtGQEALw_wcB
43

You might also like