Compared to wind, ocean waves offer more power density (about 25 times greater) and more consistent flux, meaning they produce power at all times and in all weather. However, due to the complex nature of water flow in waves, energy extraction from waves is much more challenging than from winds.
Novel Wave Energy Converter Technology
Researchers from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) have been working on a new wave energy converter (WEC) technology that is expected to produce electricity at a low cost. The ongoing blue energy research at UTRGV combines fundamental research with prototype development, with the ultimate goal of realizing a new WEC technology that is economically competitive.
Simple Hack to Increase Blue Energy Output
In a recent study, researchers from the UTRGV and other institutions have developed a simple hack to dramatically increase the output of blue energy generators. By moving the electrode of a liquid-solid triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to the end of the tube where the water crashes, they were able to harvest more energy from waves. This simple hack could potentially increase the energy output of blue energy generators, making them a more viable and sustainable source of power.