Using Waves to Produce Energy
The world is quickly running out of petroleum
resources. So environmentalists and scientists
are searching for new ways to find energy.
Hopefully, they can find reusable energy that
does not pollute or run out. Energy from ocean
waves is one idea. The biggest benefit of this
type of energy is that it is clean energy. It does
not harm the environment or marine life. Unlike coal, nuclear power or oil,
there is no pollution released into the atmosphere.
Wave-Power Generation
The basic concept of wave-power generation involves a turbine. Turbines can
be found inside dams in rivers. Both dam turbines and wave-power turbines
use the same principle to generate power. A wave-generation machine has
rotors (or blades). These wave-generator machines float on the ocean. When
waves enter the machine, the rotors are turned, which creates power. The
energy is then converted into electricity and sent through a cable to the shore.
Thermal Energy
A second use of ocean power is called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
(OTEC). This is much more efficient and promising. It relies on changes in the
ocean’s temperature. Giant power plants built along the shore would capture
water. If the water drops by more than 38 degrees Celsius (daytime to
nighttime), then energy can be saved and turned into electricity. OTEC is more
reliable because it is not located far out to sea like wave-generator machines.
These machines lose some of their power when they send the electricity
hundreds of kilometers to the shore.