This
is a really cool form of alternative renewable energy with very
specific hydraulic applications. Wave power refers to the energy of
ocean surface waves and the capture of that energy to do useful work
including generating electricity.
One of the popular devices
that uses wave power is a device called an attentuator which is a long,
multi-segment, floating structure oriented parallel to the direction of
the waves. The fluctuating wave heights along the length of the divide
causes flexing where the segments connect and this action is connected
to hydraulic pumps or other converters to capture and convert the
energy to electricity.
A point absorber is a floating structure
with components that move relative to each other due to wave action. It
is a floating buoy inside a fixed cylinder. The relative motion of the
waves and the buoy are is used to drive electromechanical or hydraulic
energy converters.
Wave
power is not currently employed widely but has great potential for
power generation. Some commercial wave farms have been developed in
Europe and one is planned for the coast of California. It does offer
manufacturers and distributors of fluid power components an interesting
new market opportunity.
