An Atlas of the Wave-Energy Resource in Europe

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Pontes ◽  
G. A. Athanassoulis ◽  
S. Barstow ◽  
L. Cavaleri ◽  
B. Holmes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Wave Climate ◽  
Weather Forecasts ◽  
Wave Measurements ◽  
Directional Wave ◽  
Offshore Wave ◽  
Climate Statistics

An atlas of the European offshore wave energy resource, being developed within the scope of a European R&D program, includes the characterization of the offshore resource for the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Europe in addition to providing wave-energy and wave-climate statistics that are of interest to other users of the ocean. The wave data used for compiling the Atlas come from the numerical wind-wave model WAM, implemented in the routine operation of the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), in addition to directional wave measurements from the Norwegian offshore waters.

A Detailed Investigation of the Nearshore Wave Climate and the Nearshore Wave Energy Resource on the West Coast of Ireland

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Gallagher ◽  
Roxana Tiron ◽  
Frederic Dias
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
West Coast ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Wave Climate ◽  
Western Coast ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Offshore Area ◽  
Medium Range Weather Forecast ◽  
Maintenance Activities

The western coast of Ireland possesses one of the highest wave energy resources in the world and consequently is a promising location for the future deployment of Wave Energy Converters (WECs). Most wave climate studies for this region have focused primarily on the offshore area since it enjoys higher energy densities. However, recent studies have shown that nearshore locations offer a similar potential for the exploitation of wave energy as offshore sites [13]. Furthermore, the proximity of WEC devices to the shore will likely reduce losses in power transport, and facilitate access for maintenance activities. In this context, we analyse the wave climate over a ten year period for several nearshore sites off the Irish West Coast. The wave climate is estimated using a spectral wave model, WaveWatch III, forced with wind and spectral wave data from the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast) operational archive. The wave model is validated with wave buoy data from intermediate to shallow depths (< 60 m). Our focus is on two aspects of the wave climate resource assessment. Firstly, we characterise the directionality of the wave energy resource (mean direction, directional spread) which affects the site selection, design and performance of nearshore WECs. Secondly, we discuss the climate data from the perspective of accessibility for maintenance. When selecting sites for the deployment of WECs, a balance needs to be found between two opposing criteria: the existence of sufficiently long, continuous time intervals of calm sea states (weather windows) which are necessary for maintenance activities to take place, and a high, consistent level of wave energy density, essential for economically viable wave energy extraction.

scholarly journals MORPHODYNAMICS OF A CARIBBEAN BEACH FRINGED BY A CORAL REEF

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (33) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amaia Ruiz de Alegria-Arzaburu ◽  
Ismael Mariño-Tapia ◽  
Cecilia Enriquez ◽  
Rodolfo Silva-Casarín ◽  
Mariana González-Leija
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Wave Climate ◽  
Differential Gps ◽  
Incoming Wave ◽  
Morphological Response ◽  
Fringing Reef ◽  
Wave Measurements ◽  
Current Profiler ◽  
Offshore Wave

The morphological response of two adjacent beaches, on the Mexican Caribbean coast, exposed to the same offshore wave climate is compared, where one of the beaches is fringed by a coral reef and the other is not. Detailed topographic and bathymetric measurements were collected from 2007 to 2011using a differential GPS and double-frequency echo-sounder. Offshore waves were continuously measured by the NOAA 42056 directional buoy, and nearshore waves were measured from May to September 2007 using an acoustic wave and current profiler to validate the use of offshore waves in the analysis of beach morphodynamics. Investigations showed that the beach with the fringing coral reef was the more stable under the same offshore energetic wave conditions of different directions. The implications of the fringing reef on the local hydrodynamics and energy dissipation were evaluated with the SWAN third-generation spectral wave model. The model was first validated with wave measurements collected at intermediate (forereef) and shallow waters (reef lagoon) with Aquadop profilers. Numerical results indicate that during shore-normal energetic conditions, the fringing reef is capable of reducing the incoming wave energy by up to 65%.

A Nearshore Wave Energy Atlas for Portugal

2003 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Pontes ◽  
R. Aguiar ◽  
H. Oliveira Pires
Keyword(s):  
Wave Height ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Probability Distributions ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Joint Probability ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Wave Climate ◽  
Open Ocean ◽  
Peak Period

The nearshore wave energy resource in Portugal has been assessed through the development of ONDATLAS. This is an electronic atlas, compatible with Internet access, containing comprehensive wave climate and wave energy statistics for 78 points at about 20m water depth spaced variably ca.5-30km, 5 points at deep water, and 2 points at open ocean locations. The data were produced by a third-generation wind-wave model, complemented by an inverse-ray model that computes the directional spectra transformation from open ocean to the nearshore. Shoaling, refraction, bottom dissipation, and shelter by the coastline and/or neighboring islands are taken into account. ONDATLAS statistics comprise yearly and monthly values, variability and probability data for significant wave height, energy (mean) period, peak period and wave power, and directional histograms for wave and power direction. Joint probability distributions for various combinations of the above parameters are also available, as well as extreme values and return period for wave height and period parameters. A summary of the detailed verification of this model using long-term buoy measurements at four sites is presented. The main characteristics of ONDATLAS are described. The strong spatial variability that wave conditions exhibit at the coastal area are illustrated and a brief assessment of the nearshore resource at the Portugal mainland is presented.

Inventory of Canada’s Offshore Wave Energy Resources

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M. Cornett
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Wind Wave ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
The North ◽  
Wave Measurements ◽  
Offshore Wave

Global warming, the depletion of conventional energy reserves and the rising cost of electricity generation have sparked renewed interest in renewable wave energy within Canada and internationally. Significant advances in wave energy converters have been made in recent years, and there is a growing realization in many countries, particularly those in Europe, that these technologies will be ready for large scale deployments within the next five to ten years (ABP, 2004). Despite these recent developments, very little effort has been directed to quantifying and mapping wave energy resources in Canada in the past. This paper presents results from a recent study in which the wave energy resource in Canada’s Pacific and Atlantic waters is quantified by analysing a large quantity of data obtained from four sources: direct wave measurements; two wind-wave hindcasts of the North Atlantic; and a single hindcast of the Northeast Pacific. Each data source is described and the methods used to analyse the data sets are explained in detail. The derived wave power estimates, including their seasonal and spatial variability, are presented and discussed. Results obtained from the direct measurements and the wind-wave hindcasts are also compared. The paper also includes a review of the theoretical background required to estimate wave energy. The waters off Canada’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts are endowed with rich wave energy resources. The results presented here define the scale of these resources, as well as their significant spatial and seasonal variations.

scholarly journals Wave Energy Assessment around the Aegadian Islands (Sicily)

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Re ◽  
Giorgio Manno ◽  
Giuseppe Ciraolo ◽  
Giovanni Besio
Keyword(s):  
Energy Flux ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Wave Climate ◽  
Propagation Model ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Wave Hindcast ◽  
Wave Energy Converters ◽  
Wave Energy Flux

This paper presents the estimation of the wave energy potential around the Aegadian islands (Italy), carried out on the basis of high resolution wave hindcast. This reanalysis was developed employing Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) and WAVEWATCH III ® models for the modelling of the atmosphere and the waves, respectively. Wave climate has been determined using the above-mentioned 32-year dataset covering the years from 1979 to 2010. To improve the information about wave characteristics regarding spatial details, i.e., increasing wave model resolution, especially in the nearshore region around the islands, a SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore) wave propagation model was used. Results obtained through the development of the nearshore analysis detected four energetic hotspots close to the coast of the islands. Near Marettimo island, only one hotspot was detected with a maximum wave energy flux of 9 kW/m, whereas, around Favignana, three hotspots were identified with a maximum wave energy flux of 6.5 kW/m. Such values of available wave energy resource are promising to develop different projects for wave energy converters in specific areas along the coast, in order to improve the energetic independence of Aegadian islands.

scholarly journals DESIGN OF AN OVERTOPPING BREAKWATER

1980 ◽  
Vol 1 (17) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
P.D. Treloar ◽  
B. Nagle
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
New South ◽  
Fixed Bed ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Wave Climate ◽  
Port Development ◽  
Reflected Wave ◽  
North East ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Offshore Wave

The Maritime Services Board of New South Wales, Australia, is constructing a major new port facility on the northern foreshores of Botany Bay. A principal part of this project has been the construction of a large armoured revetment from the northern shores. The entrance to Botany Bay faces southeast and it is from this direction that a large proportion of offshore wave energy arrives. Some of the wave energy which is directed onto the Bumborah Point revetment is reflected towards Yarra Bay on the northern shores of Botany Bay. Yarra Bay is largely undeveloped, but a sailing club has stood for many years on the beach at the southern end. As a consequence of this reflected wave energy being directed towards Yarra Bay, its wave climate has been changed considerably so that during the storms of May-June, 1974, Foster (6), damage was suffered by the club-house. Additionally the more severe wave climate and consequent steeper beach have made it much more difficult to launch sailing boats. The Maritime Services Board is charged with the responsibility to carry out remedial works where damage is caused by the port development. Figure 1 shows the revetment and sailing club site. To assist in coastal engineering design aspects of the port development, a large fixed bed wave model of Botany Bay has been built to an undistorted scale of 1:120. This model, some aspects of which have been described by Lawson (4), has pneumatic wave generators which enable offshore wave directions between east-north-east and south to be generated with prototype periods in the range of 5 to 16 seconds. A pneumatic tide generator enables a sinusoidal tide to be generated.

A Nearshore Wave Energy Atlas for Portugal

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Pontes ◽  
R. Aguiar ◽  
H. Oliveira Pires
Keyword(s):  
Wave Height ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Probability Distributions ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Joint Probability ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Wave Climate ◽  
Open Ocean ◽  
Peak Period

The nearshore wave energy resource in Portugal has been assessed through the development of ONDATLAS. This is an electronic atlas, compatible with Internet access, containing comprehensive wave climate and wave energy statistics for 78 points at about 20 m water depth spaced variably ca. 5 km to 30 km, 5 points at deep water and 2 points at open ocean locations. The data were produced by a third-generation wind-wave model, complemented by an inverse-ray model that computes the directional spectra transformation from open ocean to the near-shore. Shoaling, refraction, bottom dissipation and shelter by the coastline and/or neighbouring islands are taken into account. ONDATLAS statistics comprise yearly and monthly values, variability and probability data for significant wave height, energy (mean) period, peak period and wave power, and directional histograms for wave and power direction. Joint probability distributions for various combinations of the above parameters are also available, as well as extreme values and return period for wave height and period parameters. A summary of the detailed verification of this model using long-term buoy measurements at four sites is presented. The main characteristics of ONDATLAS are described. The strong spatial variability that wave conditions exhibit at the coastal area are illustrated and a brief assessment of the nearshore resource at the Portugal mainland is presented.

scholarly journals Wave Directions in a Narrow Bay

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Pettersson ◽  
Kimmo K. Kahma ◽  
Laura Tuomi
Keyword(s):  
Wave Model ◽  
Wave Climate ◽  
Spectral Peak ◽  
Step Size ◽  
Weakly Nonlinear ◽  
Spectral Wave Model ◽  
Directional Coupling ◽  
Directional Wave ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Waves

Abstract In slanting fetch conditions the direction of actively growing waves is strongly controlled by the fetch geometry. The effect was found to be pronounced in the long and narrow Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea, where it significantly modifies the directional wave climate. Three models with different assumptions on the directional coupling between the wave components were used to analyze the physics responsible for the directional behavior of the waves in the gulf. The directionally decoupled model produced the direction at the spectral peak correctly when the slanting fetch geometry was narrow but gave a weaker steering than observed when the fetch geometry was broader. The method of Donelan estimated well the direction at the spectral peak in well-defined slanting fetch conditions, but overestimated the longer fetch components during wave growth from a more complex shoreline. Neither the decoupled nor the Donelan model reproduced the observed shifting of direction with the frequency. The performance of the third-generation spectral wave model (WAM) in estimating the wave directions was strongly dependent on the grid resolution of the model. The dominant wave directions were estimated satisfactorily when the grid-step size was dropped to 5 km in the gulf, which is 70 km in its narrowest part. A mechanism based on the weakly nonlinear interactions is proposed to explain the strong steering effect in slanting fetch conditions.

Wave Climate Analysis for a Wave Energy Conversion Application in Brazil

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliab R. Beserra ◽  
Andre´ L. T. Mendes ◽  
Segen F. Estefen ◽  
Carlos E. Parente
Keyword(s):  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Wind Waves ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Wave Climate ◽  
Northern Coast ◽  
Wave Energy Conversion ◽  
Annual Fluctuation ◽  
Significant Wave ◽  
Climate Analysis

A variety of ocean wave energy conversion devices have been proposed worldwide considering different technology and energy extraction methods. In order to support full-scale prototype design and performance assessments of a conversion scheme to be deployed on the northern coast of Brazil, a long-term wave climate analysis is under development. A 5-year pitch-roll buoy data series has been investigated through an adaptive technique to enhance spatial resolution and allow for accurate wave directionality evaluation. Device design most influential variables such as extreme significant wave height, peak period and directionality were considered. Temporal variability in wave energy levels was particularly investigated for energy resource assessment. The major findings of this work include the narrow directional amplitude of the incident wave and higher significant wave heights of locally generated waves. The estimated energy resource levels agreed well with literature, also showing little annual fluctuation. The wave climate demonstrated to be in full agreement with the large-scale Equatorial Atlantic atmospheric variability, dominated by either local wind waves or by distant storm swells.

scholarly journals Wave Energy Assessment in the South Aquitaine Nearshore Zone from a 44-Year Hindcast

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ximun Lastiri ◽  
Stéphane Abadie ◽  
Philippe Maron ◽  
Matthias Delpey ◽  
Pedro Liria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Unstructured Grid ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Submarine Canyon ◽  
Resource Assessment ◽  
Resource Information ◽  
Energy Assessment ◽  
Local Wave ◽  
The One

Wave resource assessment is the first step toward the installation of a wave energy converter (WEC). To support initiatives for wave energy development in the southwest of France, a coastal wave database is built from a 44-year hindcast simulation with the spectral wave model SWAN (Simulating WAve Nearshore) run on a high-resolution unstructured grid. The simulation includes shallow-water processes such as refraction, shoaling, and breaking. The model is validated against a five-year coastal wave buoy recording. The study shows that most of the resource is provided by sea states with wave heights ranging from 2 to 5 m, with wave periods from 10 and 15 s, and coming from a very narrow angular sector. The long hindcast duration and the refined unstructured grid used for the simulation allow assessment of the spatiotemporal distribution of wave energy across the coastal area. On the one hand, large longshore variations of the resource caused by steep bathymetric gradients such as the Capbreton submarine canyon are underlined. On the other hand, the study highlights that no specific long-term trend can be extracted regarding the coastal wave energy resource evolution. The provided downscaled local wave resource information may be used to optimize the location and design of a future WEC that could be deployed in the region.

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