Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes, 3rd Edition

Chapter 16

Ocean Engines

16.1 Introduction

In Chapter 4, we discussed the utilization of the thermal energy of the oceans. Other forms of ocean energy are also available, such as mechanical energy from waves, currents and tides, and chemical energy from salinity gradients. A summary of the oceanic energy resources is presented by Isaacs and Schmitt (1980).

16.2 Wave Energy

OTECs took advantage of the ocean acting as an immense collector and storer of solar radiation thus delivering a steady flow of low grade thermal energy. A similar role is also played by the ocean in relation to the wind energy which is transformed into waves far steadier than the air currents that created them. Nevertheless, waves are neither steady enough nor concentrated enough ...