Wave Power Estimates Utilizing Ocean Wave Spectra

Abstract

A complete formulation of the spectral wave power equations, based upon linear wave theory, to be used with one‐dimensional and directional sea spectrum are presented. These equations are quite general and allow for the specification of device specific information, such as, the wave capture/conversion efficiency and vertical projected capture height. Previously published field data is used to emphasize that the wave power resource at a particular offshore site can be quite variable and may not provide adequate energy for continuous power generations. Two numerical examples are used to illustrate the sensitivity of wave power estimates for a hypothetical wave energy device. The first example shows that as the seastate at a particular offshore site increases, the useful power generated by a wave energy convertor does not necessarily increase. The second numerical example indicates the importance of the vertical capture height for both design and feasibility studies.