Ocean wave and tidal current conversion technologies and their interaction with electrical networks

This paper presents a brief review of the state of ocean energy technologies, with special attention to ocean wave and tidal current systems. Schematic outline of a set of selected converter technologies is presented with a view to inferring their operational aspects in relation to wind energy systems. Considering the emerging nature of this immensely potential alternative energy sector, issues pertaining to their grid-integration and subsequent effect on electrical network are discussed in a qualitative and subjective manner. While the observations deduced in this work provide a general impression of the current technological trend, only further research, development, & demonstration initiatives would reveal the scale and magnitude of the associated challenges. Nonetheless, this work may shed further light on how such near-commercial renewable technologies can be accommodated into long term resource planning scenarios, especially from the perspective of electrical utilities.