Currently, it is increasingly common to hear and read about the benefits of Solar energy and Wind Energy. However, from what I could see, another form of renewable energy has not had the same visibility as the others, I am referring to the Wave energy. But how does it work, Juan? In practice, all waves are formed by the force of the wind on the water and the size of the waves varies with the speed of the wind, its duration and its distance from the water which the wind exerts extreme force. The movement of water resulting from the force of the wind carries kinetic energy (returning to physics classes) that can be used by devices designed to capture this energy.
The interesting thing is that, in addition to the energy generated by the movement of water that generates waves and from which kinetic energy results, there is also the tidal energy which results from the displacement of sea water, that is, with tidal variations and there is also the thermal energy of the oceans, which despite being less talked about is still important. This tidal energy, in turn, will be addressed in another special article here on my blog, due to the extensive content. 😀 😉
Still, high seas waves can offer a more technically stable energy than that of surf waves or even that generated by the direct use of the wind. Furthermore, the entire wave motion produces kinetic energy that can run a turbine and the mechanical energy of the turbine is transformed into electrical energy through an appropriate generator.
But Juan, what are the benefits and disadvantages the use of wave energy? Rest assured my dear young padawan! 🙂 😀 Let's list the post and cons:
BENEFITS
- It is a renewable energy;
- It does not produce any kind of pollution;
- They are less dependent on coastal conditions.
DISADVANTAGES
- Reduced power installations;
- Requires special shore geometry;
- Requires waves of great amplitude in the region;
- Deterioration of materials from exposure to salty sea water;
- It makes navigation impossible in some aspects with its particularities.
Watch a video below the channel nurturing from 2007 (yes!):
