Wave Power: Generation, Uses and Formula

Wave Power, also called Ocean wave energy is the capture of energy of wind waves to do useful work. The waves which hit the shore with large force and loud noise have enormous potential and can be used to generate electricity. This form of energy, generated through waves is known as wave power. 

• Wave power is generated due to the up-and-down motion of the ocean wave.
• A machine that makes use of wave power is known as Wave Energy Converter (WEC).
• Wave power is different from tidal power, which captures the energy of the current caused by the gravitational force of attraction of the Sun and Moon on Earth.

Key Terms: Waves, Electricity, Wave power, Energy, Water, Wind Energy, Circular Motion, Thermal Energy, Mechanical Energy

Also Check: Ohm’s Law

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Wave Power Definition

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As we all know, energy can never be created or destroyed. It is only transferred from one form to another. This principle is applied to the waves in order to generate electricity. It is similar to the generation of electricity through dams.

Wave Power is the transportation and capturing of wind energy by surface water of the ocean to produce wave power which is later utilized to generate electricity, desalination of water, and other useful work.

• The first wave energy test facility in the world was established in Scotland in 2003 to start the development of a wave and tidal energy industry.
• Islay LIMPET ((Land Installed Marine Power Energy Transmitter)) was the world's first commercial wave power device installed in 2000 on the coast of Islay in Scotland and connected to the UK national grid
• The first wave power station in India named Vizhinjam which was set up in 1991 is located at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala works on the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) technology.

Wave Energy Converter (WEC) is a machine that makes use of wave power and can be classified based on its working principle:

• oscillating water columns (with air turbine)
• oscillating bodies (with hydroelectric motor, hydraulic turbine, linear electrical generator)
• overtopping devices (with a low-head hydraulic turbine)

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Wave Power Formation

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When wind passes from the surface of the ocean causing it to move in a circular motion, wave power is generated.

The formation of waves is an endless phenomenon as an ocean is in constant motion which leads to the formation of waves in the ocean and destruction on the shore.

• Waves are generated Due to the wind passing over the surface of the sea, waves are generated.
• Energy is transferred from the wind to the waves as long as the waves propagate slower than the wind speed just above it.
• Energy is transferred from the wind to the waves.
• Air pressure differences between the leeward and windward sides of a crest of the wave and surface friction from the wind cause shear stress and wave growth.

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Types of Wave Energy

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Wave Power which is generated by either pressure fluctuations below the surface or from surface water of the ocean can be of two types:

• Ocean Thermal Energy
• Ocean Mechanical Energy

Ocean Thermal Energy

Ocean Thermal Energy primarily utilizes the temperature of the surface seawater for running a heat engine which in turn produces electricity.

Ocean Mechanical Energy

Ocean Mechanical Energy either utilizes channel systems to funnel the waves into reservoirs or float systems to run the hydraulic pumps or column systems to compress the air present within containers to produce electricity.

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Generation of Electricity using Wave Power

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The Kinetic energy of waves is primarily used to generate electricity.

The above diagram shows a structure with a piston attached to a turbine erected in the ocean while the other end touches the surface of the ocean. During a rising wave, the level of water rises pushing the piston upwards which in turn rotates the turbine attached to it and thus electricity is produced.

Similarly, during a falling wave, the level of water decreases pushing the piston downwards which again rotates the turbine attached to it leading to generation of electricity.

Also Check: Difference between Watts and Volts

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Uses of Wave Power

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Among the many useful purposes served using wave power, the commonly used ones are listed below:

• Generation of electricity
• Desalination of water
• Powering power plants
• Pumping of water into reservoirs

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Examples of Wave Power/ Energy Conversion

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• Ocean wave energy conversion
• Resonant wave energy conversion
• Buoy-type wave energy conversion

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Advantages of Wave Power/ Energy

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• More reliable than other sources of energy as compared to solar or wind
• A major form of renewable source of energy
• It involves low maintenance cost

Disadvantages of Wave Power/ Energy

• The initial cost of installation and commissioning is very high.
• Generated variable output
• Not environment friendly as it affects marine life.
• Noise and Visual pollution

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Wave Power Formula

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Wave energy is generated due to wave motion and its power is related to wave height and period. Wave power is given by:

P = (1/64) (ρg²/π) (H²T²)

Where

• P = Power per unit width of a wavefront measured in W/m
• ρ = Density of seawater in Kgm^-3
• g = Acceleration due to gravity in ms^-2
• H = Significant wave height in m
• T = Wave period in s^-1

Wave energy density is given by: 

E = ρgH²/16

Where

• E = Mean wave energy density
• H = the wave height
• ρ = Density of seawater in Kgm^-3
• g = Acceleration due to gravity in ms^-2

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Things to Remember

• Wave Power is the transportation and capturing of wind energy by surface water of the ocean to produce wave power which is later utilized to generate electricity.
• The waves which hit the shore with large force and loud noise have enormous potential and can be used to generate electricity.
• Wave energy is generated due to wave motion and its power is related to wave height and period.
• The Kinetic energy of waves is primarily used to generate electricity.
• Ocean Thermal Energy primarily utilizes the temperature of the surface seawater for running a heat engine which in turn produces electricity.
• Wave power is given by: P = (1/64) (ρg²/π) (H²T²)
• Wave energy density is given by: E = ρgH²/16

​Also Check: The relation Between Watts and Volts

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Previous Year Questions

1. The Energy Equivalent Of 05 G Of A Substance Is… [NEET 2020]
2. The Energy In MeV Is Released Due To… [JIPMER 2004]
3. Two Point Charges Q And Q Are Located At Points….  [BITSAT 2009]
4. A Ball Is Thrown With A Kinetic Energy E At An… [AMUEEE 1998]
5. Energy Gas Between Valence Band And Conduction….  [BITSAT 2006]
6. A Body Oscillates With SHM According To The Equation…. [KEAM 2014]
7. A Satellite Revolves Around The Earth Of Radius…  [JKCET 2015]
8. The Increase In Electrostatic Potential Energy Of…  [WBJEE 2016]
9. Which Of The Following Quantities Measured From….  [JKCET 2006]
10. The Kinetic Energy K Of A Particle Of Mass…. [AP EAPCET]
11. A Bead Of Mass M Can Slide Without Friction On….  [JEE Advanced 2017]
12. A Solid Sphere Of Mass 2 Kg Is Rolling On A Friction… [MHT CET 2017]
13. Amount Of Solar Energy Received On The Earths…. [JEE Main 2000]
14. Solar Energy Is Due To… [NEET 1992]
15. The Material Used In Solar Cells Contains…. [JEE Mains 1993]
16. In Vertical Circular Motion The Ratio Of Kinetic… [MHT CET 2016]
17. A Ring And A Disc Roll On The Horizontal Surface….. [MHT CET 2016]
18. A Body Of Mass 5 M Initially At Rest Explodes Into… [VITEEE 2013]
19. The Potential Energy Of A Simple Harmonic Oscillation…..  [AP EAPCET 2018]
20. The Orbit Of Geostationary Satellite Is Circular…… [BIT SAT 2008]