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How to Generate Electricity Through Water With Wave Movement

Waves, unlike rivers or the wind, are a difficult form of energy to capture, partially because there are a number of logistical problems that need to be overcome, such as anchoring the generator and withstanding storms. Wave generators were experimented with as early as the late 17th century, but they were large and impractical structures. It was not until 2008, in Portugal, that the first real wave generators were built and successfully installed along a coastline.

Things You'll Need

Wave generator
Beachfront property
Cables and batteries

Instructions

- 1
  Consult your local and federal government regarding any permits that you may need. You will likely need to work with the government to develop a detailed plan for your wave generator.
- 2
  Place the generators roughly three miles from the coastline. This is how far the first wave generators in Portugal were set from the coastline. The wave generators should be perpendicular to the coastline, so that the waves travel down the length of the generator.
- 3
  Anchor the end of the wave generator farthest from the coastline to the ocean floor. Run the cable that will transmit power down the anchor line and across the ocean floor, to your beach property.
- 4
  Connect the cable to your batteries. Depending on the amount of power you generate, the capabilities of your transmission line, how quickly you plan to draw down power and various other variables, your battery capacity might need to be quite substantial. Just one wave generator from the Portugal installation generated 750 kilowatts at peak hours.

Nature