Hawaii has deployed the world’s largest wave energy device. The device is more than 40 meters long and weighs at least 826 tons. The device has a capacity of 1.25 megawatts.
The machine, the OE-35 made by Ocean Energy, is a massive buoy that can convert wave energy into electricity. The OE-35 was installed this week in the sea off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Ocean Energy reported this in a press release.
The device has an enclosed space where there is only light. The bottom is open towards the sea. When waves hit the device, the pressure differences caused by the waves at the submerged opening cause the air inside the device to move back and forth.
This moving air is pushed through turbines. The energy generated can be converted into electricity. The OE-35 will be connected to the grid in the near future, ensuring that the generated energy can be exported and used immediately.
Not very effective
According to Ocean Energy, the device is resistant to the corrosive effects of salt water. The only moving parts on the OE-35 do not come into contact with water.
However, it is not the most efficient way to generate electricity. For example, the turbine blades have a higher drag coefficient than wind turbines. Moreover, the device has a capacity of only 1.25 megawatts. This is lower than the average new offshore wind turbine.
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