How Wave Energy Works: Power From The Ocean Explained

The water is full of energy. Each day, we observe the rise and fall of the waves. Waves could represent another significant source of renewable energy generation. It could enhance energy security, provide energy cost savings, and help suited with the supply of electricity.

In this blog, we will discuss ocean wave energy and its future potential.

Wave energy: what is it?

Waves of the ocean have energy that takes humans by surprise. Waves are created when the wind pushes across the surface of the sea. Waves carry motion energy while they are moving. Engineers and scientists have discovered ways to capture that energy and transform it into electrical energy useful in businesses, offices, schools and our homes.

Unlike solar energy or wind energy wave energy is very predictable. The ocean is always moving. Even with no sun or wind waves will always be going somewhere. That's why wave energy is considered to be a dependable source of clean energy.

How Does Wave Energy Work?

To understand how wave energy works, let’s look at the steps involved:

• First: Waves Are Captured

First, special Devices are placed in the sea to catch the kinetic energy from the waves. These devices are called wave energy converters. There are different types of wave converters, but all of them are built to float or stay fixed in the water and move with the waves.

Some common types include:

Point absorbers float on the surface and go up and down with the waves.

Partially submerged, oscillating water columns use air pressure from the waves to spin a turbine.

Long floating devices called attenuators bend with the waves and use that to make electricity.

• Next: Movement becomes Energy

The system converts the motion from the waves into mechanical energy. The internal parts move as the human body does when on a bicycle.

Once mechanical energy is created, it will transform into electricity.

Then, a turbine or generator inside the wave energy converter rotates due to this action. A turbine spins like a fan, an object in a force. The power is formed from the spinning action of the turbine.

• In Last: Power Is Sent to the Grid

The electricity made in the ocean is sent through underwater cables to the shore. From there, it goes to the power grid, which sends electricity to homes and businesses.

Why Is Wave Energy Important?

Wave energy has many benefits:

• Desalination

Wave energy can be used to power desalination systems, which can provide clean drinking water in coastal communities.

• Renewable

The ocean is always making waves. Wave energy will not run out. It is a renewable source, which means we can use it again and again.

5 great energy locations: Australia, Western Europe, India, the Canadian and US West Coast, Island Nations

• Clean and Green

It does not cause air pollution or harm the environment like coal or oil. It is a clean way to make electricity without smoke or waste.

• Help Combat Climate Change

Wave energy could replace fossil fuels and help reduce greenhouse gases, which helps protect the planet by slowing climate change.

Real Examples of Wave Energy Use

Wave energy is still in the early stages of development. Wave energy projects are being tested in various countries around the world.

For example, H2 Terminals is a startup using modern technology to create renewable energy from the varying ocean wave motions. Wave energy is being applied to sea areas to generate green hydrogen and power.

The future of wave energy?

Wave energy may be the most plentiful renewable energy source on the planet. Utilizing the right technologies, we can capture clean, renewable, valuable electric energy from ocean waves. This has the potential to help mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and create a better world.

Given the increasing number of people and companies investing in wave energy, we will soon be able to communicate that wave energy is a prominent energy source worldwide. The ocean is the source of food, transport, beauty, and now electricity.