What is the Pelamis sea snake?
The Pelamis machines, named after the Latin for sea snake and developed by a Scottish company that leads the world in one of the newest renewable energy fields, are a series of red tubes, each about the size of a small commuter train, linked together, and pointed in the direction of the waves.
What is a Pelamis machine?
The Pelamis machine is an offshore wave energy converter, operating in water depths greater than 50m. The machine consists of a series of semi-submerged cylindrical sections linked by hinged joints. As waves pass along the length of the machine, the sections move relative to one another.
How big is the Pelamis?
The steel snake is 150 meters long, has a diameter of three meters and weights 750 metric tons. The designers of the device were fully aware that it looked like a big metallic snake and named it accordingly: Pelamis is a breed of sea snake.
What are the benefits of wave power?
Advantages of wave energy
- Zero emissions. Inherently, wave energy does not emit greenhouse gasses when generated, like fossil fuels do.
- Renewable. Like all alternative energy sources, wave power is renewable.
- Enormous energy potential.
- Reliable energy source.
How does the Pelamis wave energy converter?
The Pelamis Wave Energy Converter is a semi-submerged structure composed of cylindrical sections linked by hinged joints. The wave-induced motion of these joints is resisted by hydraulic rams, which pump high-pressure fluid through hydraulic motors via smoothing accumulators.
Why is wave power not used?
The wave climate (Height of the Wave, Wave length of the wave and Time Period of the wave )is not feasible and viable everywhere. That is why it is not so widely used in the world.
How much does wave power cost?
Capital Cost of a Pelamis wave converter for the Pacific
| Type | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Moorings | US$ 0.3 – 0.4 million |
| Installation | US$ 1.2 – 1.6 million |
| Shipping | US$ 0.18 – 0.24 million |
| Total | US$ 4.74 – 6.3 million |