Energy Dictionary

ocean power

Power derived from oceans and movement of waves. Three major ocean power sources are:

Tidal movement: The rise and fall of ocean tides can be used to run the blades of a reaction water turbine to generate electric power.

Wave action: Power can be generated from waves by using a bell-shaped, bottomless generator with a turbine attached to it. The generator has a small opening at the top and is filled with gases. The swelling and plunging movement of waves pushes gases in and out of the bell-shaped generator. The gases drive the turbine to generate electric power.

Ocean heat: Huge expanses of relatively warm ocean waters vaporize liquids with low boiling points, like ammonia. This gas can be used to drive gas turbines and generate electric power.

None of the above technologies have been adequately put to commercial use.