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THE SALTER DUCK
V. Ryan © 2005 - 2023
 
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    Stephen Salter
Several devices have been designed to harness energy from the waves. The ‘Salter Duck’ is an example, developed in the 1970s by Stephen Salter of Edinburgh University (invented 1974 - prototype tested 1976). It is probably the first attempt by the UK to generate electricity from waves. At the time of its development, oil prices had hit an all time high, due to the Arab petroleum embargo, making alternative methods of energy production a priority.
The duck ‘bobs’ up and down on the waves and a series of special internal gyroscopic turbines, convert this movement into electricity. The Salter Duck is as large as a double decker bus, with many arranged in set patterns in the sea, to take advantage of wave formations. By the 1980s, oil prices had returned to former levels and the ‘short sighted’ UK Government, withdrew funding from the project. This was despite its proven 90 percent efficiency.
Stephen Salter believed that the Government were too committed to investment in Nuclear Power. He also believed that Government officials / auditors deliberately over estimated the cost of development and production of the Salter Ducks. Putting it simply, the Government were no longer looking for alternatives to fossil fuels and nuclear power.
 
 
 
 
GYROSCOPE ELECTRICAL GENERATOR - THE SALTER DUCK
 
As the waves pass under the ‘Salter Duck’, they cause a ‘bobbing’ motion. The duck absorbs the energy of the waves, leaving flat water in its ‘wake’. It has been calculated, that each duck would produce approximately two megawatts of energy (providing electricity to 2000 typical homes). This means that a series of ducks would be required to supply a town.
 
 
 
 
 
The animation below shows the motion of the Salter Duck as the waves push it upwards and as it drops down. The yellow indicates the production of electricity by the gyroscopic electrical motor. To produce electricity, the oscillating motion of the gyroscope (created by wave action) drives a motor, which produces the electricity.
The Salter Duck was designed to incorporate four gyroscope electrical generators, arranged in a ‘power canister, producing two megawatts of electricity.
 
RELATIVE SIZE AND POSITION OF THE POWER CANISTER
 
 
 
COMPARATIVE SIZE - THE SALTER DUCK v DOUBLE DECKER BUS
 
 
INSIDE THE POWER CANISTER - THE GYROSCOPE ELECTRICAL GENERATOR
The power canister contained the four gyroscope electrical motors, that generated the electricity. The canister was a sealed tube, housed at the tip of the Salter Duck.
 
 
 
 
 
 
ONE SUGGESTED ARRANGEMENT OF SALTER DUCKS - A FORMATION AT SEA
 
   
ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENT OF SALTER DUCKS
(COUNTER-BALANCING PLATFORM)
 
 
   
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