What Would This Storm Have Done To Wave Machines

[Whosit]

Just a thought..... What would this last storm have done to the wave machines given that at least 2 of NOAA's Bouy's broke loose in 40 plus foot waves.

[El-Kabong]

Originally Posted by Whosit

Just a thought..... What would this last storm have done to the wave machines given that at least 2 of NOAA's Bouy's broke loose in 40 plus foot waves.

generate enough power to run the eastern united states?

[FrogPond]

It probably depends on the type. There are many different types currently in testing phases that don't look anything like a buoy.

[Smoked Salmon]

Yeah. This is great research data for the wave-gen teams. IIRC the wind turbines had fantastic structural failures until they dialed in the actual wind speeds and tolerances. The wave powered generators will have a similar period of adjustment before being seamless. We just have the privilege of watch all the dramatic failures as well as reaping the benefits in the future.

[Boatdog]

I believe they would have broke free and become MAJOR navigational hazards; both above and below the surface. Who knows where they will be drifting, or make landfall/shore??? (are they transmitting their location?).

Somber realization, considering the possible damage to shipping, recreational, and commercial vessels/equipment, human life, wildlife, and the coastal environment.

If we can't keep weather/navigation buoy's secured, how the heck will 'thousands of acres' of "wave generation" devices be secured ? I don't know, so thus, the question.

Maybe there is a place for them offshore somewhere, but I don't like the options OR LOCATION so far...

[Zodiac-Fisherman]

Well, the Finavera wave generating buoy was supposed to stand upright, 50' above the water. And it was anchored to four 20k blocks of concrete. Why it sunk, no one knows. A freind of mine who was the contracted diver to weld the buoy onto the anchors says no one knows why it sunk.

[Bucolic buffalo]

If they were to break free would they still be generating power while they floated along? Fish don't take kindly to electricity. Ask any Okie telephone fisherman.

[tippet]

We will only know if we try.... I can imagine an interior river system wiith many fewer dams.....and would be willing to pay more for my electricity to realize it!!!!!

[fish_on]

Originally Posted by tippet

We will only know if we try.... I can imagine an interior river system wiith many fewer dams.....and would be willing to pay more for my electricity to realize it!!!!!

Would you be willing to pay more, have less ocean access, and still have the dams? Because that's the reality of it, the dams aren't going anywhere.

[Salty Walty]

Originally Posted by Zodiac-Fisherman

Well, the Finavera wave generating buoy was supposed to stand upright, 50' above the water. And it was anchored to four 20k blocks of concrete. Why it sunk, no one knows. A freind of mine who was the contracted diver to weld the buoy onto the anchors says no one knows why it sunk.

I saw an iceberg later that day and heard Celine Dion.

[jimsbuddy]

If they broke loose... my guess is they would get damaged, and either the Gov would pass the cost of replacements along to the citizens with a new tax, or if it was an private enterprise, we would take it all winter long in power bill rate hikes...

[iwanttofish]

Or maybe it would have washed on to the shore and made it easy to find instead of at the bottom of the ocean

[flatlander]

Originally Posted by iwanttofish

Or maybe it would have washed on to the shore and made it easy to find instead of at the bottom of the ocean

For the Tweekers, it would be like discoveridg Gold. On the good side it might keep them away from our vechicles for a while