Ocean Wave Energy: Current Status and Future Prespectives (Green Energy and Technology)

Wave energy is reaching a critical stage, following over three decades of intensive research and development. The first few full-scale prototypes have been tested at sea and the first pre-commercial orders were placed. The first offshore wave farm is to be installed in the near future and it is likely that similar schemes will shortly follow. Such projects will in the medium term provide a comparable output to the conventional wind farms, allowing an alternative approach when trying to ov- come the technological challenge of finding alternative renewable energy sources. It will also fulfil one of the oldest desires of civilization: to harness the power of ocean waves. This book compiles a number of contributions prepared with the aim of prov- ing the reader with an updated and global view on ocean wave energy conversion. Given the topics covered and the link between of all them, it can be considered one of the first textbooks (or handbooks) related to this field. The authors are r- ognised individuals within the wave energy community with different ba- grounds, and their contributions try to give an overall perspective of the state of the art of different technologies. The book does not intend to point to a specific technology; the market will be responsible for that.

The authors of this reference provide an updated and global view on ocean wave energy conversion for wave energy developers as well as for students and professors. The book is orientated to the practical solutions that this new industry has found so far and the problems that any device needs to face. It describes the actual principles applied to machines that convert wave power in electricity. Additionally, an historical review, state of the art of modern systems, a full scale prototype experience, and future perspectives are given.         

The authors are recognised researchers, and their contributions give an overall perspective of the state of the art of different technologies. The book does not intend to point to a specific technology; the market will be responsible for that. The main motivation to compile these texts is to provide, both to academia and industry, a first contact with the current status of wave energy conversion technologies, hopefully inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.