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Solar is only a part of the solution.
The funny thing is, even wave energy solutions make use of wind turbines. At least the Voith system.
So how do you produce electricity out of wave's motion force?
Simple: build a concrete structure with a chamber where air gets compressed and pushed through a turbine as the waves rise or fall. Pretty neat, huh?
Basically, the mechanical force of the water is transferred to a mass of air which then turns the blades of an ultra specific tunnel wind turbine.
Here's for top German engineering! (once again)
Video transcript:
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The water of the oceans of the world is always in motion.
Hardly ever interrupted, waves break at the coastlines.Sometimes strong, sometimes weaker.
There is enormous energy potential that is available around the clock and free of charge. A potential, that if fully exploited could satisfy 40% of the world wide demand for power. This equals the output of 700 to 800 nuclear power stations.
Voith Hydro Wave Gen is developing technologies to convert this inexhaustible energy into electric power without the emission of harmful greenhouse gases.
The operating principle of this wave power station is as simple as it is ingenious.
An enclosed chamber has an opening beneath sea level which allows water to flow from the sea to the chamber and back. The water level in the chamber rises and falls with the rhythm of the waves.
And air is forced forwards and backwards through the turbine connected to an upper opening in the chamber. As it is compressed and decompressed, the air flow has sufficient power to drive the Wells turbine.
Is is a feature of the Wells turbine, named after its inventor, that it is driven in the same direction by both forward and reverse airflow through the turbine.
Even relatively low wave motions can generate enough airflow to keep the turbine moving and to generate energy.
This is how easily energy can be generated with a wave power station. Day and night, all year round, as long as there are waves.
The world's first power station of this kind was put in service as early as November 2000 on the Scottish island of Islay and has been feeding power to the grid ever since.
Voith Hydro Wave Gen is convinced of the commercial potential of wave energy. We are certain that our wave power stations can make a significant contribution to supply the world with climate friendly energy.
Voith - Engineered Reliability
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Over to you
- Have you seen such power plants in action on shores other than Scotland's?
- Do you think the concrete structures will make the rocky coastlines ugly?
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