Ocean Energy Conversion and Storage Prototypes for Wave, Current and Tidal Energy Generators

Abstract

Ocean energy is a well-invested renewable energy resource. Although proven technologies for energy generation from the ocean exist, most of the developed systems are yet to be combined with storage devices for later use. In this paper, three different energy conversion projects are described with prototypes for generating electricity from the ocean waves, currents and tides. Each project builds on the lessons learned from the previous, and involves incremental improvements towards the goal to store the generated electricity to be used afterwards. The small-scale prototypes reveal both promises and challenges of sustainable energy conversion devices and necessary storage technologies to be useful at large scale.