Wave+energy+-+Monica

=**WAVE ENERGY** =  HOW DOES IT WORK? Waves are caused by the wind blowing over the surface of the ocean. In many places, the wind blows constantly with force to provide continuous waves. There is a lot of energy in ocean waves. Wave energy devices extract energy directly from the surface motion of waves or from pressure changes below the surface. The energy changes in different parts of the world and cannot be controlled effectively everywhere. Wave energy is power produced by harnessing the action of the ocean tides. The tide moves in and out twice a day, moving massive amounts of water and energy with it. This is a plentiful supply of energy but it is not that easy to convert it into electrical power for every day use.

To capture the power of the waves, an object, which is capable of bobbing up and down as the waves pass has to be placed in the ocean. As each wave collides with the device, it rises and falls and with each rise and fall, the device will generate power. This is similar to how wind energy is captured. The amount of power captured is determined by the height, speed and length of the waves as well as the density of the water where the device is positioned.

Different devices to capture wave energy include 1. Buoys and floats

2. Oscilating water columns

EXAMPLE

ENERGY CHANGES INVOLVED From kinetic to electrical.

FACTS AND FIGURES

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Capturing wave energy could have many effects to the environment. There could be both positive and negative effects on marine habitat. There could also be toxic releases from leaks of liquids used in systems with working hydraulic fluids. Also there would be disturbance, both visual and noise.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES Advantages: -Small wave energy devices are able to produce a lot of energy -Wave energy devices are unnoticeable and don't distract people if placed off-shore -Planet is mostly ocean, wave energy is renewable.

Disadvantages: -There is a problem with constructing a device to capture wave energy that can stand being constantly pounded by waves. It needs to be able to last for years. -Difficult to convert wave energy into electricity -Expensive to produce, devices used to capture are expensive