Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

What are the different types of ways to capture ocean wave energy? How does each component work together to capture the energy?

The most common way to harness wave energy is to apply it to power the rotor of a generator which in turn produces electricity. This is similar to wind power but additional components would be needed to take advantage of both the ebb and flow of wave action. I hope that helps.

Are there any other ways to capture ocean wave energy besides spinning the rotor of a generator that produces electricity?

Are there any other ways to capture ocean wave energy besides spinning the rotor of a generator that produces electricity?

36858,

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your question. There are many devises and concepts to harvest ocean wave energy for the production of electricity. The following webpage discusses some of the more promissing one undergoing differing levels of technical testing and demonstration...some at the commercial application level.

http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Pr ... nergy.aspx

Some are variations on the theme of spinning a rotor to turn a generator to produce electricity, such as the Oscillating Water Column and Overtopping devices, but some use other means to transfer energy via wave dynamics, such as power bouys (point absorbers) and attenuators.