MS Thesis R. Hager - Hawaii National Marine Renewable Energy ...

July Mean Wave Power (kW/m)Figure 1.9 July Mean Wave Power (kW/m) (Cruz, 2008)1.5 Literature ReviewThe beginning pioneers of wave energy include Masuda, Salter, Budal, Mei, Newman, Falnes,and Evans (Falcão, 2010). Beginning in the 1970’s theoretical work was studied for single,point absorbers with one degree of freedom in regular, linear waves with a linear generator.The theory is similar to that of ship hydrodynamics, which had been well established.Eventually, theoretical work was done with regards to oscillating water columns, pointabsorbers with multiple degrees of freedom, and arrays of buoys. Jefferys later addressed theissue of nonlinear power take-off systems (Falcão, 2010).Experimental work was pioneered by Masuda in the 1940’s, and Salter’s Wave Power Groupin the 1970’s at the University of Edinburgh. In the 1980’s Budal and Falnes also beganexperimental work on control mechanisms for point absorbers in irregular waves, so as tooperate in the most efficient frequency. Areas in need of further research include: phasecontrol, environmental impacts, maintenance, and power take-off systems (Falcão, 2010).18