ISWEC: a Gyroscopic Wave Energy Converter

Wave Power: how to produce clean electric energy from sea waves. Thousands of patents have been filed, hundreds of devices have been studied and tested in labs, and dozens of prototypes of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) have been deployed to the sea successfully harvesting wave energy. The main research work has been carried out for the oceans, the most relevant source of wave power. Closed seas, such as the Mediterranean Sea, have smaller energy availability, but they have a particular feature: short waves. Short waves have higher frequency and can activate a WEC in a very effective way. For instance, a WEC carrying a gyroscopic system produces electric power proportionally to the square of the wave frequency. Gyroscopic effects can keep a spinning top in a quasi vertical position, guide airplanes, stabilize ships and, with a slightly adjusted design and strategy, harvest energy from sea waves!

Autorentext

MSc and PhD in Mechanical Engineering awarded from the Politecnico di Torino, Italy. Researching and developing the ISWEC converter since 2006. Currently working in the field of Renewable Energy, focussing on power generation and management.