Wave Power Efficiency - Calculating % for Sankey Diagram

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In summary, the efficiency of wave power is typically measured in terms of the amount of energy extracted from the fuel, but it is not always clear how this is determined for wind and wave power. Additionally, the cost of generated power should also be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of these energy sources.
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LatexZone
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What do you think the Efficiency of Wave Power is in percentages?

Im trying to figure out the waste of the wave power and then trying to put it in a sankey diagram.

So for example:

25% Efficient
20% Thermal/Heat Energy​
Electrical energy in the TV -
25% Light Energy
30% Sound Energy​

If you get what I mean, that's what I would like to know for Wave Power and if possible, Nuclear Energy.

Thanks
 
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Anyone?
 
  • #3
Normally efficency is quoted in terms of the amount of energy extracted form the fuel - it's not clear how you specify the efficency for a wind/wave power.
Do you count the proportion of the energy that is extracted form the wave that hits the machine, or all the waves that pass the site?
So a poor unit that only extracted 0.1% of the energy but was strung across the entire ocean would be better or worse than a single turbine that was more efficent but only intercepted a tiny part of the tidal stream

Really you should be more concerned about the cost of the generated power.
 

1. What is wave power efficiency and why is it important?

Wave power efficiency refers to the effectiveness of converting energy from ocean waves into usable electricity. It is an important factor in determining the feasibility and sustainability of wave energy technologies.

2. How is wave power efficiency calculated?

Wave power efficiency is typically calculated by comparing the amount of energy extracted from the waves to the total energy available in the waves. This is often represented as a percentage, with 100% efficiency indicating that all available energy is being converted into electricity.

3. What factors affect wave power efficiency?

Several factors can affect wave power efficiency, including the design and efficiency of the wave energy converter, the characteristics of the waves (such as height and frequency), and the location and positioning of the converter in relation to the waves.

4. How does efficiency impact the cost of wave power?

Efficiency is an important factor in the cost of wave power, as a higher efficiency means more energy can be harnessed from the waves, leading to lower operational costs. However, the initial cost of constructing and installing wave energy converters can also impact the overall cost of wave power.

5. Can wave power efficiency be improved?

Yes, research and development efforts are continuously working to improve the efficiency of wave energy technologies. This includes advancements in converter design, as well as better understanding and utilization of different wave characteristics and how they can affect efficiency.

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