The diagrams depict how electricity can be generated using a wave-energy device and illustrate two options for its location.
Overall, the machine operates by using the movement of sea waves to push air through a turbine, generating electricity. Furthermore, a clear trade-off is shown regarding location: installing the device further out at sea is more costly but results in higher energy output.
Initially, as a wave enters the machine’s lower chamber, the rising water level compresses the air trapped inside. This forces the air to flow upwards through a turbine, causing it to rotate. The turbine, which is connected to a generator, then produces electricity. Subsequently, when the wave recedes and the water level falls, air is drawn back down through the turbine to fill the space, causing it to rotate once more.
Regarding the location options, two distinct choices are presented. Placing the machines in shallower water near the coast, where the waves are small, corresponds with a low electricity output. However, this option has the advantage of low installation costs. In contrast, positioning the machines in deep water further from shore means they can harness the energy of large waves for a high output, though this comes with high installation costs.