Energy Analysis Of Wave Energy Concepts: Final Report, Section 2 Final Report

Abstract

A method which can be used to perform a net energy analysis of a renewable energy technology is outlined. The reason for the analysis and the meaning of the results are discussed in the context of wave energy technology. Worked examples are taken from devices within the 1979 U.K. Wave Energy Programme. Different devices within a technology can be ranked in an order of merit, based on the quantity of primary energy (mainly fossil fuels) input necessary to produce one unit of output energy. An Appendix is attached containing a data base of gross energy requirements of materials and products which are especially relevant to wave energy.