“Wave”
hello to the prospect of harnessing the ocean’s potential
for the generation of electricity. Oregon State University
has identified the coastal areas off Reedsport/Gardiner as
a prime demonstration site for research and development of
ocean wave energy. Research conducted by OSU and the Electric
Power Research Institute has shown that the Oregon coastline
presents some of the richest ocean wave energy potentials
in the nation.
OSU has developed three prototype buoys designed to be anchored
1-2 miles offhore, in typical depths of greater than 100 feet,
where they will experience gradual, repetitive ocean swells.
One model uses the wave motion to cause electrical coils to
move through a magnetic field, inducing voltages and generating
electricity. Other “rack and pinion” and “piston”
styles are being studied as well.
