Seminar - Tim Finnigan - Ocean power conversion: some experiences and future directions

Wednesday, September 21, 2005, 1.10 - 1.50 pm
Civil Engineering Lecture Theatre 3

Abstract

Worldwide, approximately 3000 gigawatts (1 gigawatt = 1 GW = 1 billion watts) of power is continuously available from the action of tides. In addition, the global ocean wave power resource is estimated to be in excess of 2000 GW. These figures indicate the oceans as a sizable energy resource that could contribute to global electricity demand, which is currently at 200 GW and increasing steadily.

I will present a brief overview of ocean power conversion, from both tidal stream and wave sources. Some of my experiences in the wave power industry will be described in the context of R&D that lead to the development of a 500kW prototype power plant. New concepts and future directions, currently being investigated, will then be introduced and preliminary model results will be presented.