A Point-Absorber-Based Wave Energy Converter for Power Production in Lebanon : Renewable Energy

Abstract

In recent years, renewable energy systems have become a necessity especially in developing countries, due to global warming which is caused by the continuous burning of fossil fuels to provide energy. In this work, the potential of harvesting wave energy to produce electrical power on the Lebanese shore is investigated. As such, a compact wave-harvesting device was built. This device is based on a point absorber, which uses the heaving motion of the waves to pump sea water to a storage tank located at a reasonably higher elevation. The water will then flow due to gravity to a lower level where it will be used to operate a hydroelectric turbine and consequently produce electricity. The different components of the system as well as the operation process are detailed. A prototype was built and successfully tested near shore for ordinary weather conditions. The test results will be summarized along with the potential improvements that can be applied to the system.