Ocean energy: technology basics

✍ Scribed by Ryan Katofsky

• Book ID: 104439662
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 355 KB
• Volume: 9
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1755-0084
• DOI: 10.1016/s1471-0846(08)70091-x

✦ Synopsis

The Manchester Bobber is a high-profi le example of a wave energy conversion device. It is a fl oatation device that can generate power from waves coming from any direction. It can be located in 20m-60m of water, which allows it to cause minimal visual impact onshore, and can include 25-50 individual fl oats (each fl oat rated at 500kW) that 'bob' in the water independently and generate electricity. The fl oats can also be fl ooded quickly for protection in the event of extreme weather conditions. The Manchester Bobber has recently won the plaudits, being announced a joint winner of the Marine Energy Award at the 2007 Rushlight Awards. The Bobber won the award for its "signifi cant achievement towards commercial exploitation in developing technology that harnesses marine renewable power." The Bobber shared the top award with the OE Buoy, from Irish company Ocean Energy Ltd.