Scientists at the Energy Conversion Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Canton succeeded in stably generating electrical energy from the force of the waves during the sea trial of their new system.
The experimental results of the system have been found to be satisfactory in terms of stability and performance in the case of small waves. Waves are a source of energy that is little exploited because they are very unstable. Statistics have shown that the maximum energy that can be generated is 7 to 10 times greater than the average energy obtained in ten minutes. Testing of the new system produced 6 kW and showed good stability.
The Institute plans to build the first wave power station. It will produce electricity for consumption in a village and also for water desalination.
Sources: Academy of Sciences of China,
http://english.cas.ac.cn/Eng2003/news/detailnewsb.asp?infoNo=25327 ;
Canton energy conversion institute,
http://www.giec.ac.cn/giec/giec_english/index.htm