AWE Spin-Off/// Surf-Zone Energy
Demo
Methods for extracting kite energy by "reel-gen" inspired this method for
wave-energy. The key element is a "Drag-Float", a sort of pontoon with a
transverse board that causes high drag force against an anchor & a
shore-based generator reel.
Surf-zones concentrate wave energy as each wave breaks in a fast moving
surge. The return flow is also energetic. The prototype drag-float was
made of strong commercial crabbing floats strung with a wood plank on a
PVC tube. The power rope runs through the tube, fixed with stops. Varied
line, pulley, & bungee rigging was tested off a small
Danforth anchor set
"offshore". The drag-float hauled back & forth with high directional
stability & lots of power (in shallows on the Pacific NW coast (KiteLab,
Ilwaco, WA)).
This sort of DIY surf-energy looks useful for small-to-mid-scale renewable
energy on many ocean coasts. Keeping generators ashore is a huge
wave-power win. Small drag-boats are easily brought in for storms.
The attached JPGs show the rig set up at low-tide (01) & the drag-float
resisting wave surge (02).
FairIP/CoopIP
~Dave Santos September
7, 2010
ayrsM2092
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