WEC stands for Waves Energy Converter, and Poseidon

Waves Energy Converters, also known as wave energy devices or wave power converters, are devices designed to harness the energy from ocean waves and convert it into usable electrical power. They are a type of renewable energy technology that aims to utilize the vast energy potential of the ocean.

There are several reasons why wave energy converters like Poseidon might be chosen as a viable option for energy generation:

Renewable and Sustainable: Wave energy is a renewable resource because it is generated by natural processes, primarily driven by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun. As long as waves continue to form, wave energy can be harnessed, making it a sustainable energy option.

Abundant Resource: Waves are present in oceans and seas across the globe, making wave energy a widespread resource. Many coastal areas have significant wave energy potential, providing opportunities for wave energy converters to generate electricity in close proximity to the demand.

Predictable and Reliable: Waves are a predictable energy source, with variations in wave patterns occurring over relatively long time scales. This predictability allows for more accurate planning and integration of wave energy converters into the power grid, contributing to a stable and reliable energy supply.

Low Environmental Impact: Compared to some other forms of energy generation, wave energy converters generally have a low environmental impact. They do not emit greenhouse gases during operation and have a minimal visual footprint, particularly if located offshore.

Diversification of Energy Mix: Incorporating wave energy into the energy mix helps diversify the sources of electricity generation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a more balanced and resilient energy system.

Potential for Energy Independence: Wave energy has the potential to contribute to energy independence for coastal communities by harnessing local resources. This can help reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and provide a more sustainable and secure energy supply.

Poseidon, as mentioned earlier, is  a  new concept  Waves Energy Converter.

but why? 

While offshore solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have several advantages, they also come with certain negative points. Here are some potential drawbacks:

1. High installation and maintenance costs: Setting up offshore solar PV systems can be significantly more expensive than land-based installations. The costs include specialized infrastructure, such as offshore support structures, marine cabling, and subsea connections. Additionally, maintaining and repairing offshore systems is more challenging and costly due to their remote location and harsh marine conditions.

2. Technological challenges: Operating in offshore environments poses unique technological challenges. The systems must withstand corrosive saltwater, high humidity, strong winds, and constant exposure to marine elements, which can lead to accelerated wear and tear. Developing robust and reliable components for offshore solar PV systems can be complex and costly.

3. Environmental impact during construction: The installation process of offshore solar PV systems can have short-term negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. Construction activities, such as piling foundations, cable laying, and vessel movements, may cause disturbance to marine life, including noise pollution and habitat disruption.

4. Limited suitable locations: Identifying suitable offshore locations for solar PV installations can be challenging. Factors like water depth, seabed conditions, proximity to the grid infrastructure, and environmental considerations limit the potential sites. This restricts the scalability of offshore solar PV projects compared to land-based installations, which can be deployed more widely.

5. Transmission losses and grid connection: Transmitting electricity generated offshore to the onshore grid involves long-distance cabling, which can lead to transmission losses. The efficiency of power transmission decreases with distance, and the cost of laying and maintaining undersea cables can be high. Moreover, integrating offshore solar PV systems into the existing electrical grid may require significant upgrades and infrastructure investments.

6. Variable weather conditions: Offshore environments are subject to more severe and unpredictable weather conditions than onshore locations. Strong winds, storms, and rough seas can impact the efficiency and reliability of offshore solar PV systems. Power generation may be intermittently affected by inclement weather, potentially leading to reduced output and less predictable energy generation.

7. Potential visual and aesthetic impact: Offshore solar PV installations can be visible from the shore, and some people may consider them visually intrusive. This could be a concern for coastal areas with scenic landscapes or where the visual impact affects recreational activities like boating or tourism.

It's important to note that while these negative points exist, ongoing technological advancements using WEC will not solve everything, but at least it will help.

One issue remains the footprint, WEC can be far more efficient than offshore solar PV  but we are still in R&D period.

WEC (Wave Energy Converter) technologies are designed to harness the energy from ocean waves and convert it into usable electricity. Several types of WEC technologies have been developed and researched. Here are some of the different kinds of WEC technologies:

1. Oscillating Water Column (OWC): The OWC technology consists of a partially submerged chamber that captures the wave's energy. As the waves enter the chamber, the air trapped inside is forced to move up and down, driving a turbine or generator located above the waterline to produce electricity.

2. Point Absorbers: Point absorbers are floating devices that move up and down with the wave motion. They typically consist of a buoy that is connected to a power take-off system, such as a hydraulic pump or an electrical generator. The vertical motion of the buoy drives the power take-off system, converting the wave energy into electricity.

3. Overtopping Devices: Overtopping devices capture the energy of waves by allowing them to flow into a reservoir or basin situated at a higher level than the surrounding sea. The rising water level in the reservoir drives turbines or generators, producing electricity as the water is released back into the sea.

4. Oscillating Body Devices: Oscillating Body devices utilize the back-and-forth motion of a submerged or partially submerged structure to convert wave energy into electricity. The movement of the device is harnessed through hydraulic systems, mechanical linkages, or electromagnetic systems to generate power.

5. Attenuators: Attenuators are long floating structures aligned parallel to the direction of the waves. They consist of multiple segments or modules connected by hinges or other flexible mechanisms. The motion of the waves causes the segments to move relative to each other, which is then converted into electricity through power take-off systems.

6. Wave Focusing Devices: Wave focusing devices, also known as wave concentrators, concentrate the wave energy onto a smaller area to increase the wave height and potential energy. The focused waves are then directed towards a fixed or floating structure equipped with a power capture system to generate electricity.

7. Inverted Pendulum Devices: Inverted pendulum devices consist of a buoyant structure connected to a fixed seabed foundation through a hinge. The movement of the buoy in response to the waves causes the structure to oscillate about the hinge point, which is converted into electricity using various mechanisms.

Poseidon uses a mix of the various solutions, 2,4 5,6 and 7 it is a modular solution up and down, pendulum like system.

but why?

in my new position, only shalow water is avaialble, and to generate the starting point of the activities here in Ostend, a different kind of solution was required.