Oscillating Water Column

Hollow structure that uses wave action to compress air through a turbine.

Oscillating water column (OWC) devices use wave action to pressurize air in a chamber, forcing it through an air turbine. As water recedes from the chamber, the resulting vacuum pulls air back through the turbine and into the chamber. They can be located onshore or in deeper waters offshore. The turbine may be coupled to a rotary generator to produce electricity.

Photo: OceanEnergy