The main idea of the wave energy is to create electric energy by using the motion of surface waves.
There are lots of waver power devices:
- Point absorber buoy
This device flood on the surface of the water and held by cables connected to the seabed. The rise and fall of buoys can generate the electricity.
- Attenuator
This device act similarly as point absorber buoy. The flexing motion of each floating segments can drive the hydraulic pumps to generate electricity.
- Oscillating wave surge converter
This device has one end fixed and other end is free to move. Energy is collected from the relative motion of the body compared to the fixed point.
- Oscillating water column
This device can be placed on shore or in deeper waters offshore. There is an air chamber in this device. The compression of the air in the chambers will force the air through the air turbine to create electricity.
- Overtopping device
For this device, the water in the reservoir have the higher water level compared with the surrounding. The potential energy in the reservoir will be gathered by the turbine.