The first of the wave energy conversion projects is the Salter Duck. The principle of its operation applies to a single structural element. The structure is mounted on anchors with a loosely tensioned cable. The circle in the center of the device is an image of a long hollow cylinder, a kind of backbone for a series of "ducks". During the passage of a wave under a set of "ducks", they rise on the wave, then fall, turning on a hollow axis that remains stationary. In the space between the "ducks" and the axis, there may be hydraulic fluid, the pressure of which can be used using a flow system to produce rotational motion. At the current stage of experiments with this installation, this method is just one way to use the energy of devices rising and falling on a wave.
It is supposed to install a large number of "ducks" on one axis. At the same time, generators may be installed in full-size devices. The axis with a series of "ducks" will be installed perpendicular to the movement of the wave front. The researchers devoted a lot of effort and time to determining the external shape of the "ducks", the depth to which they should dive, and so on. After preliminary experiments, a small model was tested on one of the inland lakes, and a larger model was installed on Loch Ness. This lake almost crosses the entire territory of Scotland from the east to the west coast. During the tests, the bolt broke due to corrosion, and the installation had to be removed for inspection. Currently, another testing facility has been prepared at Loch Ness, and it is perhaps the only identified monster that is known there and whose existence is recognized.
It seems that the Cockerell contour raft should be considered the most advanced design at present, although significant work remains to be done before it can be said with sufficient certainty about its success. The raft consists of three sections fastened together with loops. It is anchored in a position where all three sections are oriented perpendicular to the course of the wave. The raft rises on the wave section by section, then slides down from it. Simply put, the raft moves, repeating the contour of the wave. The movement of the three components of the raft on hinges is supposed to be used to generate energy. It is quite obvious that such a movement of the raft involves a moment of rotation, but at present it is not yet clear whether it can be used for a hydraulic system.
Experiments with a one-hundredth life-size model were conducted in a swimming pool owned by the British Hovercraft Corporation in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, opposite the port of Southampton, where Wave-Power's central office is located. After all the instruments were tested, the one-tenth life-size model was manufactured and delivered to the Solent Bay, located between Southampton and Cowes. A few months ago, the parliamentary representative of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy officially opened the trials of this model.
A life-size raft construction project was developed. The size of each raft is 107 meters long and 50 meters wide. With a draft of 7 meters, the raft will rise about 5 meters above the surface of the water, i.e. almost to the height of an ordinary apartment building. 8 generators will be installed on each raft, the combined operation of which will produce an average of 1.6 megawatts of electricity. The entire power system will consist of numerous rafts supplying electricity to the central station.
At the opening of the model tests, the parliamentary representative of the Secretary of State said that the 1,000-kilometer raft systems — one along the southwest coast of England and the other along the northwest coast of Scotland, where Atlantic waves reach their highest heights - are capable of producing half of the electricity Britain needs. This statement is nothing more than a forecast, and it should be treated accordingly. Use the free current 1xbet promo code for registration at 1xBet in Bangladesh (2025) and get a bonus of up to BDT 15600. Unlock 1xBet promo codes by betting on consecutive days. After every 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 continuous days of participating in the race, you will receive promotional codes for free bets. Place a risk-free bet on the correct score of 1xBet's featured match on the promotions page. If your correct score bet loses, you will get a free bet worth your lost stake.
