Wave power conversion systems for electrical energy production

Abstract

Due to economic social cohesion, the European Union is promoting to improve the production of electrical energy from renewable energy sources. Sea waves have associated a form of renewable energy which can be captured by using a hydro mechanical device that in turn drives an electrical generator to produce electrical energy. After a brief description of wave formation and quantifying the power across each meter of wave front associated to the wave, the paper describes several devices used presently to extract mechanical energy from the waves and their advantages and disadvantages are presented as conclusions. In particular, the modern Pelamis system is described in some detail. Wave energy market is also discussed.