3 Types of Wave Energy Explained
Types of wave energy are; acoustic, electromagnetic, and hydraulic wave energy.
This article discusses the types of wave energy, as follows;
1). Acoustic Wave Energy (as one of the Types of Wave Energy)
Acoustic energy is a type of wave energy that causes disturbance or disruption of the atomic structure of a material as it propagates across its cross-sectional area.
Basically, acoustic energy is a combination of potential and kinetic energy forms.
A unique attribute of acoustic energy is its high variability of intensity and application.
As acoustic wave energy flows through a medium, it is often instantaneously converted to significant amounts of mechanical energy [1].
Shear stress can act as a source of acoustic wave energy, and the action of such stress can lead to seismic wave propagation and natural hazards like earthquake.
In cases where this acoustic wave energy (in the form of seismic waves) is propagated under the ocean, it can generate ocean wave energy [2].
Electricity generation can also be achieved using acoustic waves in piezoelectric materials [6].
2). Electromagnetic Wave Energy
Electromagnetic energy is a type of wave energy that occurs in the form of radiation, and is usually produced by the interaction of electric charges and magnetic force fields.
An example of electromagnetic energy is the propellant force that causes continuous flow of electrons through a conductor under the influence of magnetic forces.
Unlike other types of wave energy, electromagnetic wave energy does not travel as force vectors, but rather as electric charges. This means that it is more appropriate to describe electromagnetic waves as electricity, rather than energy.
The charged particles that are mobilized by electromagnetic processes can be differentiated into various types across a spectrum; which include Visual, Ultraviolet, Infrared, Microwaves, and Radio Waves [4].
These wave-particle types can serve for various applications that include thermal radiation, X-rays, infrared spectroscopy, and radio signal transmission.
3). Hydraulic Wave Energy (as one of the Types of Wave Energy)
Hydraulic wave energy is a type of wave energy that is propagated through fluids, especially water.
There are two co-occurrent forms of hydraulic wave energy; which are potential and kinetic.
The nature of hydraulic wave energy makes it a very suitable type of energy for wave energy conversion processes [7].
It can also be used for energy storage processes, where water may act as a medium for hydraulic energy storage in a reservoir [5].
Using wave energy converters which are equipped with piston-or-turbine-driven generators, hydraulic wave energy can be converted to electricity [3].
Among the types of wave energy, hydraulic wave energy is arguably the most common, especially its ocean-wave form. This is because of its prospect as an abundant form of renewable energy that may be harnessed to support existing energy resources, and to facilitate the process of energy transition to more sustainable options.
Conclusion
Types of wave energy are;
1. Acoustic Wave Energy
2. Electromagnetic Wave Energy
3. Hydraulic Wave Energy
References
1). Bacigalupo, A.; Lepidi, M. (2018). "Acoustic wave polarization and energy flow in periodic beam lattice materials." International Journal of Solids and Structures 147. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2018.05.025. (Accessed 25 January 2023).
2). Buscaino, G.; Mattiazzo, G.; Sannino, G.; Bracco, G.; Kenny, J. M.; De Cristofaro, N. B.; Ceraulo, M.; Carillo, A.; Papale, E.; Rodriguez, D.; Rosario, G.; Mazzola, S. (2019). "Mediterranean shallow waters." Springer Nature, Scientific Reports. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-45926-1. (Accessed 25 January 2023).
3). Jusoh, M. A.; Ibrahim, M. Z.; Daud, M. Z.; Albani, A.; Yusop, Z. M. (2019). "Hydraulic Power Take-Off Concepts for Wave Energy Conversion System: A Review." Energies 12(23):4510. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/en12234510. (Accessed 25 January 2023).
4). Omer, H. (2021). "Radiobiological effects and medical applications of non-ionizing radiation." Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021 Oct;28(10):5585-5592. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.05.071. (Accessed 26 January 2023).
5). Song, R.; Dai, M.; Qian, X. (2017). "Intermittent wave energy generation system with hydraulic energy storage and pressure control for stable power output." Journal of Marine Science and Technology 23(9). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00773-017-0512-4. (Accessed 25 January 2023).
6). Takali, F.; Njeh, A.; Ghozlen, M. H. B. (2009). "Surface Acoustic Wave Energy in Piezoelectric Material." Physics Procedia 2(3):1369-1375. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phpro.2009.11.104. (Accessed 25 January 2023).
7). Zhang, D.; Li, W.; Lin, Y.; Bao, J. (2012). "An overview of hydraulic systems in wave energy application in China." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 16(7):4522–4526. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.04.005. (Accessed 25 January 2023).
