If such a structure is not present the shorebased devices can be installed on piles near the shoreline.
In the event that more energy is required than a single 45kW device produces, such as commercial power for marinas or hotel complexes, then multiple devices can be installed. For example if a breakwater is long enough to support the installation of a significant number of devices, enough energy can be produced to support a small town.
Such installations not only provide a source of electrical power, but also afford the breakwater some measure of protection from the waves and reduce maintenance costs.
Shorebased installations have obvious cost advantages over their offshore counterparts in that there is no need for expensive sub-sea cabling, and the devices are easier to access for maintenance.
The Shorebased Aegir Dynamo has a comparative initial cost to a wind turbine of a similar rating, however, as ocean waves are more available than wind and contain more inherent energy the payback period is significantly reduced.
Maintenance & Survivability
As all components of the Aegir Dynamo are manufactured to British Standards that have a predetermined wear and life-cycle, maintenance schedules to be accurately calculated. The shorebased devices will require inspection every six months, minor maintenance at six monthly intervals (replacements of seals and cathodic protection etc) and will have a minimum life in excess of 20 years - far in excess of their pay back period.
Survivability is a major concern for all marine vessels and installations. The marine environment is one of the most inhospitable on earth, however these problem are not insurmountable with a correctly engineered solution.
The shorebased devices are engineered to be stronger than the structure to which they are affixed, and secured using techniques so as not to be washed away by oncoming swell or breaking waves..
Risks to Navigation
Shorebased devices are designed to operate in areas that are not normally navigable by shipping (such as the outside of breakwaters etc), and as such many issues related to navigation are removed, however devices are painted in high visibility colours, fitted with the appropriate marine warning lights. This together with marking on marine navigational charts should prevent collision.
Environmental Impact
Wave energy converters are one of the most environmentally benign forms renewable energy generation. A shorebased device is attached directly to a sea wall or other secure structure and has no impact on the sea bed.
When in operation the main noise created by an Aegir Dynamo is the sound of the waves impacting on the structure and a wurring noise from the energy converter. In practice this is quieter than a diesel generator. This is expected to have no effect to underwater wildlife.
If piles are used some damage to the sea bed will occur during installation, this will however be superficial and a survey will ensure that there is no damage to fragile reefs.
Carbon Emissions & Reductions.
As an Aegir Dynamo does not rely on combustion to produce energy, or produce any bi-product other then electrical energy, no gasses are produced during it's operation.
By producing energy in this way rather than by burning fossil fuels actually reduces emissions. It is estimated that every kW of energy produced by fossil fuels produces 0.43Kg of CO2. It can therefore be calculated that each 45kW Aegir Dynamo generating at full capacity 80% of the time will save over 135 tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere every year.
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