]Building a Better Wave Energy Machine: Can it Be Done?

[wolram]

Would it be possible with modern materials and know how to build a better Duck?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_power

His invention, Salter's Edinburgh Duck, continues to be the machine against which all others are measured. In small scale controlled tests, the Duck's curved cam-like body can stop 90% of wave motion and can convert 90% of that to electricity.[26] While it continues to represent the most efficient use of available material and wave resources, the machine has never gone to sea, primarily because its complex hydraulic system is not well suited to incremental implementation, and the costs and risks of a full-scale test would be high. Most of the designs being tested currently absorb far less of the available wave power, and as a result their Mass to Power Ratios remain far away from the theoretical maximum.

According to sworn testimony before the House of Parliament, The UK Wave Energy program was shut down on March 19, 1982, in a closed meeting,[27] the details of which remain secret. The members of the meeting were recruited largely from the nuclear and fossil fuels industries, and the wave programme manager, Clive Grove-Palmer, was excluded.

An analysis[28] of Salter's Duck resulted in a miscalculation of the estimated cost of energy production by a factor of 10, an error which was only recently identified. Some wave power advocates believe that this error, combined with a general lack of enthusiasm for renewable energy in the 1980s (after oil prices fell), hindered the advancement of wave power technology.[29

 

[wolram]

Image of test rig.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...n&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=1

 

[oswaler]

]I can say that building a better wave energy machine is definitely possible with modern materials and knowledge. In fact, there have been significant advancements in wave energy technology since the invention of Salter's Edinburgh Duck. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed in order to make wave energy a viable and efficient source of renewable energy.

One of the main challenges is the complex nature of the ocean and the unpredictability of waves. This makes it difficult to design a machine that can efficiently harness wave energy in all conditions. Additionally, the harsh marine environment can also pose challenges for the durability and maintenance of wave energy machines.

Nevertheless, with advancements in materials such as stronger and more corrosion-resistant metals, as well as improvements in design and control systems, it is possible to build a better wave energy machine. In fact, many companies and research institutions are actively working on developing new and improved wave energy technologies.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the costs and risks associated with testing and implementing full-scale wave energy machines are still significant. This is why it is crucial to have support and funding from governments and private investors to continue the development of this technology.

In conclusion, while there have been challenges and setbacks in the development of wave energy technology, it is certainly possible to build a better wave energy machine with modern materials and knowledge. Continued research and investment in this field can lead to a more efficient and sustainable use of wave energy as a renewable energy source.