Use of Scrap Tires to Harness Wave Energy

by Walter J. Simmons, E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Ocean Energy Recovery

Abstract:

A 2.5 meter diameter wave powered pump, fabricated from scrap tires was tested from May 24, 1988 to October 1988 in the Atlantic Ocean at the North Carolina Army Corp of Engineers Waterways Experimental Station. Water pressures of 6,800 kpa were developed, which is more than adequate for use with reverse osmosis units to produce fresh water. Tires from large earth-moving equipment make ideal structures for both the float and the reaction mass of acceleration type wave energy devices. The float is formed by filling the tire with plastic foam. The reaction mass is formed by filling the center of a tire with scrap steel and concrete. The rims of the tires are relatively small in size and thus very little additional structure is required. The toughness, resiliency, and corrosion resistance of tires make them uniquely suited to the ocean environment.

Subject Headings: Hydro power | Tire recycling | Water pressure | Renewable energy | Power plants | Ocean waves | Fresh water | Atlantic Ocean | North Carolina

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