To generate electricity from waves has been the subject of research for a long time. Generating wave energy can be cost effective and a system based on such an energy source (like the one given by Fraunhofer) is supposed to have low operational and maintenance cost. Owing to the fact that a renewable input (the sea water) is used to generate the required output (electrical energy), cost of production can be considerably reduced.
The researchers at Fraunhofer Center for Manufacturing Innovation have come up with a concept, which they claim can overcome the limitations posed by wave energy systems. Electrical energy can be generated from ocean waves in a different way than the traditional one. A long ship, measuring 50m, having hinged floating pop-ups (which can be removed from water according to the ship’s movement) is supposed to do the task. By moving up and down, these hinged pop-ups consequently move the arms to which they are attached, thereby, generating energy which would be captured by a battery system on the ship. After the ship reaches the shore, the energy derived from the sea can be used for the local grid system.
This idea, apparently, has many encouraging aspects. The ship has the energy storage capacity of 20 megawatt-hours and electricity can be generated at a cost of 15 cents per kilowatt-hour. The cost is much lesser than that of the present system which can cost up to 65 cents per kilowatt-hour. Flexibility to move the ship overcomes the risk of any thunderstorm. Being cable free, this design seems quite portable for “packing” and “unpacking” as per the requirement. However, there are other aspects to be seen. The initial power requirement of the ship, before it is ready for generating the electrical energy, can consume a part of the total energy. Further, using battery system on the ship can be an expensive idea. The idea of converting wave energy to capture hydrogen (and using this hydrogen to produce electrical energy) is becoming popular.
Fraunhofer’s idea of energy generating ship is still in its nascent stage and a concerted agreement is still awaited. For now, you can wait and watch for yourself about how this proposal can get transformed into reality for the betterment of the society and environment. Technicalities apart, innovation can go a long way to undermine the limitations of previous concepts to give sustainable solutions.
Via: Gizmag
