Wave Power Alternative Energy coming into its own

Keith R

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Jan 1, 2002
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Interesting. Thanks for the link, Christa.

The questions that occur to me are (1) would the DR be suitable for such a project; (2) if so, where (certainly not in front of any resort beach where swimming, jetskiing and snorkeling are promoted!); and (3) would it cost-effective, i.e., would it be reliable enough and not so expensive compared to current supply that some part of the DR coastline should seriously consider this option?
 

Chris

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Oct 21, 2002
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Keith, I think I've read just about every piece published about this. From what I've read, such a wave 'farm' could be up to 5 miles from the coast. So, the 'visual pollution' can be dealt with, with distance.

Also, I've read that this system can survive at Cat 5 hurricane, by virtue of bobbing about in the ocean, and not anywhere where it can be smashed on the ground. This is a bit of a stretch for me to believe but then again, for a boat, it is safer to go out to sea during a storm, rather than stay on a dock.

I've read that the cost is comparable to conventional power station construction and set-up, and certainly not more expensive. In my opinion, this is a method that simply must be investigated for the DR.
 

Keith R

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Jan 1, 2002
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Hmmm, sounds like another potential topic for the Green Team. :cheeky: All right, Team, any volunteers for this one? :devious: Or any DR1ers out there not yet on the Green Team interested in doing a guest blog entry on this subject?

Keith R
greenteam@dr1.om
 

bdaric

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Aug 28, 2003
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To respond to Chris about waves "safer" at sea, just consider Hawaii surf waves.

There, just off shore the wave is say 5 -10ft high and the surfers just bob about on it then as reaches shore and the ocean floor becomes shallow, it appears to grow to 30 -40 feet or more and down the wave slides the surfer.

I saw an illustration once that suggested considering the wave as a huge circle of energy, of which the top most part was visible. The wider the top, the bigger the circle and the more power released when reaching shore.

Still , after seeing the movie Perfect Storm and the 100ft freak waves mariners talk about and land lubbers poo poo, I'll stick to a bit of land a good bit higher than sea level during storms thanks........
 

Texas Bill

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Feb 11, 2003
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Whatever---

The wves generated by the natural confluence of the ocean flow between the DR nd the Eastern shelf of the Turks & Caicos Islands would be an ideal area in which to place the "Wave-generators". Just to the North of Cayo Arena, off the Bahia de manzanillo, the East wind and current flow coelesce to mount waves in the rhelm of 6-10 feet, closely packed in frequency. Such conditions are ideal for such a "wave farm" to be placed. As to cost, well, I've not explored that scenario in the least. Nor have i considered the distances required for electrical conduits to land areas. I would estimate the distance to be in the neighborhood of 15-30 nautical miles offshore. Is that too far?? I have no idea. Engineers could better judge that aspect than I.
Just for what it's worth.

Texas Bill