Available Ocean Wave Power and Prediction of Power Extracted by a Contouring Raft Conversion System

Abstract

Techniques are described which have been employed to develop detailed, quantitive estimates of the available ocean wave energy flux. A summary of results for a region of particular interest to potential U.S. developers of wave energy systems — the U.S. Northwest Pacific Coast — is also presented. Comparisons with results of other studies are made. In addition, a method for predicting the amount of mechanical energy captured by a conversion device, based on a frequency domain technique, is presented. Results are predicted for an articulated, contour following raft deployed in deep, open water west of the mouth of the Columbia River.