Energy and the Environment-A Coastal Perspective

The different types of OSWC:

• The following devices all take advantage of the hydrodynamics of the paddle and water column in different manners.
• Single shoreline OWSC:

Þ   Pros:

Low construction, maintenance and operating cost

The plant is accessible from shore

Þ   Cons:

There are limited locations where they can be put since they require a specific profile.

Since they are in very shallow waters, supplementary measure will need to be taken to ensure that they do not pose a safety risk.

• Single near-shore OWSC:

Þ   It is made of a single paddle that is latched on to a C-shaped caisson.

Þ   This device is meant for shallow water ranging from 6 to 10 meters.

Þ   The point absorber effect and the flared caisson mouth enable the optimal power capture.

• Terminator-array near-shore OWSC:

Þ   Multiple paddle are closely aligned one behind another at a 90˚ angle to the wave’s direction.

Þ   A back-wall is also necessary to create a water column.

Þ   Pro:

In an ideal situation, the need for sidewalls would diminish thus leading to a decrease to the overall cost of construction.

Þ   Con:

The interaction between the paddles and across the entire device remains unknown.

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