Ocean Wave Energy: Current Status and Future Prespectives

by Joao Cruz

Overview

Wave energy is reaching a critical stage, following over three decades of intensive research and development. The first few full-scale prototypes have been tested at sea and the first pre-commercial orders were placed. The first offshore wave farm is to be installed in the near future and it is likely that similar schemes will shortly follow. Such projects will in the medium term provide a comparable output to the conventional wind farms, allowing an alternative approach when trying to ov- come the technological challenge of finding alternative renewable energy sources. It will also fulfil one of the oldest desires of civilization: to harness the power of ocean waves. This book compiles a number of contributions prepared with the aim of prov- ing the reader with an updated and global view on ocean wave energy conversion. Given the topics covered and the link between of all them, it can be considered one of the first textbooks (or handbooks) related to this field. The authors are r- ognised individuals within the wave energy community with different ba- grounds, and their contributions try to give an overall perspective of the state of the art of different technologies. The book does not intend to point to a specific technology; the market will be responsible for that.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783540748946
Publisher:	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publication date:	02/13/2008
Series:	Green Energy and Technology
Edition description:	2008
Pages:	431
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.03(d)

Table of Contents

Looking Back.- The Theory Behind the Conversion of Ocean Wave Energy: a Review.- The Wave Energy Resource.- Numerical and Experimental Modelling of WECs.- Power Take-Off Systems.- Full-Scale WECs.- Environmental Impact Assessment.

Editorial Reviews

From the reviews:

"This work, the first volume in the ‘Green Energy and Technology’ series, edited by Cruz (industry), gives the reader a snapshot of the latest attempts. … The book includes many illustrations, and references follow each chapter. This is a valuable, well-researched look at a fascinating technology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." (J. C. Comer, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (11), August, 2008)

"This book provides an important overview of the past, present and future of wave energy technology at a key moment in its development into a viable and economically important industry. … It will provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues in wave energy exploitation … but will be of particular interest to researchers and academics with a new interest in the field. … I would readily recommend this text to colleagues and students … ." (Edward H. Owens, International Journal of Ambient Energy, Vol. 29 (4), October, 2008)

From the Publisher