The idea of an alternative method of a renewable energy source is the constant debate of world leaders to date. Facing damaging consequences to the earth’s normal atmospheric status, the drive to develop a cleaner more infinite form of energy is the most widely discussed issue.
While understanding the mechanisms of wave power technology, this discussion toys with the question of if wave power is cost effective. Some world economist believe no cost should be spared to preserve the earth’s vitality while others feel a more economical approached should be measured when determining the method of renewable power.
So at what cost should the world spare to make this energy concept a reality? Energy conservationists ponder this hindering question on a daily basis and the world’s economy is the deciding factor to technological advancements and keeps the development of certain renewable energy projects at bay.
There are 4 main components to which decide the economies ability to withstand a large cost for the betterment of a greater good. In other words will the cost to reproduce water power generators out weigh the overall good that will come from its production?
World economist work on financial structures to help calculate this formula and weigh in the four components to reach an overall cost efficiency for a specific project; such as the global cost for wave generator construction, the overhead for operation, the cost to perform routine maintenance and repair on faulty or damaged generators and the ability to provide wave generated power at a low enough rate to the consumer which is competitive but will not under seed the cost to operate.
The cost to construct wave generators can reach well in the hundreds of billions of dollars; from the cost of materials to the architectural designing as well as the man power to build these operational facilities thus generating an even greater strain on an already over drawn economy.
Furthermore the cost to effectively operate these wave generators with the appropriate man power and/or automated systems to monitor the daily functions, can also reach astronomical figures. These two factors combined with an agreeable rate of service, makes the determination of whether wave power will be cost effective.
Because the development of this new age renewable power source is still evolving at a slow rate, placing its potential for public consumption years behind solar and wind powered devices, it may take years before wave power energy resources will become fully developed and operational for use by the entire world.
Until technology can catch up the concept of wave powered energy, the question of “Is wave power cost effective still remains the on going topic for renewable energy sources and currently unanswered.
In order to understand wave power technology, you must first understand the power it requires to produce a single wave. To put it simply, waves are the combination of airstream’s and solar influences that produce an effect on the oceans surface. This effect propels the oceans current to make the water surface actively buckle causing a wave. Waves travel at a rate per kilometer and increases during seasonal transitions. Typically wave rates are at their highest during the winter, particularly during storms.
Scientists have revealed methods of harnessing the power of waves to generate a renewable source of electrical energy. The methods of capturing this power is through wave powered generators. There are three forms of wave power generators Air columns, Hinge or Axis rafts and Hydraulic Devices. These main types of generators can either be shoreline based or free floating and each have their own uniquely designed source of producing and infinite amount of electrical power. All three forms are more commonly employed in the South western regions where the wave potentials are greater.
Air columns also referred to as oscillating water systems are shoreline based generators which are partially submerge under the oceans surface. This generator uses empty shafts to compress or decompress air flow. This air flow is produced by the surge of water under the tubes, which cause air to become trapped within the air columns and thereby causing the trapped air to propel turbines which in turn generates electricity.
Hinge or Axis rafts also known as buoyant mooring devices are more commonly designed as free floating anchored generators. This electrical generating system relies on the resistance and surrender concept, in which a portion of the generator is allowed to move with the flow of waves while the anchored portion of the generator must remain still. The effects of the two operating systems cause friction and thereby creating electrical currents.
A hydraulic or gyroscopic system is found primarily under the waters surface and performs at a deeper depth than the other generators. Although this system functions much like the resistance and surrender concept; it principal role is based upon more resistance that uses the movement of the waves to set in motion fluid within the hydraulic pumps to make electricity.
Although these systems my sound simple, the mechanisms of production for these generators are currently up for debate. While the concept of wave power technology can produce an unlimited supply of renewable energy, the problem for mass production is the cost forecast for future development in a variety of ocean and wave conditions. While the devices currently in use have proven the probability of the systems endurance to harsh ocean conditions, the prediction to produce wave generators has become increasingly difficult since their economical goal is to maintain a low overhead, maintenance and operational cost as well as not to effect the consuming population financially, which will one day rely on its electricity producing capabilities.
According to the House of Legislation reports comprise from studies conducted by the Department of Business and Economic Development. These reports reveal a short list of advantages to wave power as a form of a renewable energy source.
The consensus is the general however widely agreed upon globally that wave power energy is the latest technique in energy conservation, and Wave Energy conversion systems or WECS have become the newest introduction to renewable power sources. While studies are still confined to specific regions of the globe; predominately areas where the wave potentials are much higher, the development of this power is still underway and has not reach its marketable prospective.
World leaders agree the need for a more economical structured renewable system is greatly desired yet fact still remains the cons currently out weigh the pro’s for wave power technology.
The abundance of wave power is without question one of the highest levels of infinite renewable sources. For over 200 years scientist have worked on innovative mechanisms to exploit the power of the ocean for the development of continual sources of energy. For that reason the implications for the potential of WECS as a source of renewable natural energy are immense. Not to mention the cost per wattage can be greatly reduced through the commercial use of the WECS and converters.
Scientist are optimistic that once the full scope and development plans are under way, electricity could cost penny’s on the dollar, approximating an average cost of lower than .05 cent per watt usage.
With the introduction to wave power energy the development of an assortment of wave power systems is considered an advantage to the commercial usage of the WECS. These electrical converters have the potential to generate electricity in a variety of ways, from compression and decompression methods to include friction emission as well as hydraulically powered forms will soon open the gate way for a more cost effective mechanisms for future public use.
Since WECS or wave power generators have the diversity of sustaining either a on or off shore location, this enhances the probability of the success of wave power energy. Furthermore the free floating and submersible version that are anchored to the oceans floor can provide greater electrical emission and the potential to capture this energy is improved.
Although the WECS is under great scrutiny for the multiple disadvantages as well as the uncompleted stages of development, legislator’s and economist alike will soon to come to an agreement, which will enable commercial development and usage of this energy source. Couple with the understanding that having a variety of renewable energy sources much like Solar and conventional wind powered mechanisms, the advantages of wave power potential will eventually out-weigh the disadvantages.
The wave power industry is truly a remarkable source of infinite renewable power. And while its concept is driven by the tremendous advantages of its technology, the WECS industry must confront a number of relevant challenges. The challenges that confront wave power must first be addressed and solutions provided in order to make available a more competent mechanism. These tasks must be accomplished before wave power technology will be recognized as an effective source of renewable energy.
Many of the challenges surrounding wave powered energy focuses on the cost to develop and facilitate global resources. The primary goal is to construct a system which will reduce the cost of development and increase the availability at the lowest amount feasible. Additional factors such as the efficiently of the electrical converter system to include the levels of improvement coupled with mapping ideal location to facilitate wave powered generators has become additional issues that need to be addressed in efforts to combat the challenges the wave power systems will face.
The primary focus which surrounds the economical factors as it relate to the cost in the development of wave power generators is the biggest challenge this system faces. Understanding the materials needed to supply power, requires a system which is cost effective and will be the first challenge WECS will have to surmount. Once an effective cost can be agreed-upon the global construction of wave powered electrical converters can be strategically placed throughout ocean locations.
But before construction can begin, legislators and other Ecological specialist must categorize prime locations for the electro-converters. Since prime marine locations are determined by the highest velocity of wave production, facility determination will have to include provisions for marine locations that do not meet the wave production requirements. This issue will hinder production in areas of low wave production and may cost more to administer electrical services in these specific regions. Plus developers will have to manage systematic problems as they relate to connecting to pre-established utilities grids.
To effectively procure viable wave powered locations, scientist must conduct studies to determine the long term effect cause on oceanic life forms and the development of the oceans ecosystem. There are few studies that direct attention to these specific effects and/or if any effects will be present through the usage of a wave power system. Not to mention studies must also show how these water generators will withstand the variances in ocean conditions throughout seasonal transitions.
Because the development of WECS is so new, very little research has been conducted along with minimal viable case studied information gather over a period of time, therefore it is hard to determine just how effective WECS will be for future commercial use. Wave power energy will go through a variety of transitions and face hurdles before it is deemed a global renewable source of energy.
