Wave energy resource assessment from a 12-year hindcast, for Pembrokshire, Wales

摘要

A study of wave energy potential is carried out for the Pembrokeshire coastal area. Two state of the art, third generation, spectral models were used: WAVEWATCH III for wave generation, covering almost the entire North Atlantic basin, providing boundary conditions for SWAN, which then simulates wave transformation in coastal areas. Wind field data from the ERA Interim data base was used for input. Simulated wave power results are validated against wave power results calculated with buoy data. The wave climate and wave power potential were characterized in terms of magnitude and directional distribution. The average seasonal wave power and its spatial distribution was assessed. Simulated results seem to reproduce well the real wave power. Winter shows the highest values of significant wave height and wave power, while Summer presents the lowest. Average wave power around the Pembrokshire coastal area present mean values 5 to 15 kW/m