Academy's wave energy research faces major test in 2011: "If a U.S. Air Force Academy scientist's idea is proven correct, his research could tap into energy from ocean waves that could supply a large chunk of the world's electricity needs.
A typical North Atlantic deep ocean wave is about 126 meters long and 3.5 meters tall, which could yield 100 kW per meter in the direction of the wave crest, according to Dr. Stefan G. Siegel's computer simulations.
The idea of harnessing power from ocean waves isn't new. The problem is creating a system that can survive in the open ocean. A cycloidal wave energy converter, based on the type of propellers on ferries and tugboats, is the focus of Doctor Siegel's wave energy converter research project.
Next summer, his work will be put to what he calls 'a make or break test' in Oregon State University's giant wave tunnel.
'If the big test at Oregon State is a success, I think we can slowly transition this project from what is right now basic research and a very novel idea to more applied research and finally to industrial development,' said Doctor Siegel, an Academy Department of Aeronautics research associate. 'If we can get efficient energy out of the wave tank out there, I believe we can also do that in the ocean.'"
