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Waves result from the
inferaction of the wind with the surface of the
sea and represent a transfer of energy from the
wind to the sea, The amount transferred depends on
the wind speed, the distance over which it
interacts with the water, and the length of time
for which it blows. The largest concentraction of
potential wave energy is located between the 40
and 60 latitudes in both the northern and southern
hemispheres.Wave power systems convert the motion
of the waves into usable mechanical energy which
in lum can be used to generate electricity. These
systems can be floating or fixed to the seabed
offshore, or may be constructed at the edge on a
suitable shoreline. Wave energy is being
extensively researched in several industrial
countries, particularly Japan, Norway, U.K. and
U.S.A.
In India the research and development activity for
exploring wave energy started at the Ocean
Engineering Centre, Indian Institute of
Technology. Madras in 1982 Primary estimates
indicate that the annual wave energy potential
along the Indian coast is between 5 MW to 15 MW
per meter. Hence theoretical potential for a coast
line of nearly 6000 KW works out to 60000 MW
approximately. However, the realistic and
economical potential is likely to be considerably
less.
Various wave energy systems are now being studied.
Theoretical and experimental work is in progress
on the optimisation of various system components.
An oscillating water column device has been
designed and tested at the IIT, Madras, in
laboratory conditions. An experimental energy
power plant of 150 MW capacity is going to be
installed at Vizhinjam beach near Trivandrum in
Kerala. |
