Wave Power Earth Null School

1. Ocean ResourcesOcean Resources
[email protected]@daytonastate.edu

2. Energy associated with WavesEnergy associated with Waves can be can be
harnessed harnessed
to produce a renewable source of energyto produce a renewable source of energy
•Let’s take a closer Let’s take a closer
look and then look and then
calculate the calculate the
amount of power in amount of power in
waves around the waves around the
globe!globe!
Pelamis and Wave Energy (video)
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3. Wave power equation
P = 0.5 x HP = 0.5 x H
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x T (kW/m) x T (kW/m)
Here’s our wave-power equation Here’s our wave-power equation
Don’t get freaked—I’ve made this easier for you! Don’t get freaked—I’ve made this easier for you!
Our goal?Our goal?—to calculate the amount of power in —to calculate the amount of power in
one wave to determine just how many 60-watt one wave to determine just how many 60-watt
light bulbs it could power for an hour!light bulbs it could power for an hour!
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4. Example: consider moderate ocean swells with Example: consider moderate ocean swells with
a wave height (H) of 3m and a wave period (T) a wave height (H) of 3m and a wave period (T)
of 8s. Using the formula to solve for power (P), of 8s. Using the formula to solve for power (P),
we get…we get…
Meaning…we get 36 kW of power
per meter of wavefront.
P = 0.5 x HP = 0.5 x H
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x T (kW/m) x T (kW/m)
So…So…
0.5 x 30.5 x 3
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x 8 = 36 kw/m x 8 = 36 kw/m
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5. –Picture from previous Picture from previous
lecture…remember lecture…remember
this?this?
•Wave frontsWave fronts approach a approach a
shore at a slight angleshore at a slight angle
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6. Taking that one step further…if we had an
incoming wave with a 50 m wavefront—it would
produce 1800 kW worth of power—or 1,800,000
watts of power—enough power to support 30,000
60-watt light bulbs (LB) for one hour!!
First, calculate kW of power
36 kW/m x 50 m = 1800 kW
Now, convert kW to watts (w)
1800 kW x 1000w/1kW = 1,800,000 w
Finally, one LB uses 60w of power
So…1,800,000 w/60 w = 30,000 LB
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7. Calculating wave power...Calculating wave power...
•Either enter this link into Either enter this link into
your browser or click on the your browser or click on the
link provided to you in the link provided to you in the
‘Content’ section of this ‘Content’ section of this
Lesson Lesson https://earth.nullschool.net https://earth.nullschool.net
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Instructional Video

8. Calculating wave power...instructionsCalculating wave power...instructions
•Click on the word ‘Earth’ in Click on the word ‘Earth’ in
the lower left—a window the lower left—a window
will openwill open
•Locate ‘Mode’ and click on Locate ‘Mode’ and click on
‘Ocean’‘Ocean’
–Click on ‘Earth’ again to Click on ‘Earth’ again to
minimize this windowminimize this window
•You can ‘spin’ the globe You can ‘spin’ the globe
by holding down your by holding down your
‘left click’ button‘left click’ button
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9. Calculating wave power...instructionsCalculating wave power...instructions
•As you travel the globe you will As you travel the globe you will
see areas in the ocean that are see areas in the ocean that are
dark blue (lowest wave heights) dark blue (lowest wave heights)
to red (highest wave heights)to red (highest wave heights)
•Click any spot on the globe, data Click any spot on the globe, data
will pop up and include the will pop up and include the
latitude/longitude as well as wave latitude/longitude as well as wave
period (sec) and wave height (m)period (sec) and wave height (m)
–You are ready to begin your You are ready to begin your
calculations!calculations!
–Assume that ALL Assume that ALL
wavefronts are 50m longwavefronts are 50m long
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10. Discussion instructionsDiscussion instructions……

11. Student responsesStudent responses……