A wave energy converter is any of the family of devices built to capture the mechanical energy of ocean waves and turn it into electricity. The U.S. Department of Energy describes one common approach plainly: some wave energy converters use buoys to capture energy from the ocean's vertical and horizontal movement. Design approaches vary widely, and this atlas records the category here as marine conversion technology alongside tidal and marine energy, the source such converters draw on.
Facts
Technology Type Invented YearThe first known patent to extract energy from ocean waves, not the first working device; an early practical device was built around 1910 by Bochaux-Praceique in Royan, France. Classification
MaturityTRL 6: Technology Demonstrated in Relevant Environment 1 Connections
Uses Source
Source United States Department of Energy Official Site
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Wave power
WikipediaRemains largely at prototype and demonstration stageView the Source 2. United States Department of Energy Official Site
US Department of EnergyMarine Energy BasicsQuote, Marine Energy Basics
Some wave energy converters use buoys to capture energy from the ocean's vertical and horizontal movement
3. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationWave power, historyQuote, Wave power, history
The first known patent to extract energy from ocean waves was in 1799, filed in Paris by Pierre-Simon Girard and his son.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.