Feasibility of ocean wave energy into electricity using attenuators energy devices in the north coast of Puerto Rico.

摘要

This thesis presents a study of ocean wave's energy in deep waters of Puerto Rico. Wave energy is a renewable resource that has not been used in the Island. Results of our calculations indicate the north coast presents the greatest amount of wave energy. The average wave power is of 15kW/m. The PelamisRTM, an example of commercially available wave to electricity conversion technology, was used to estimate electric energy production. The energy absorption matrix of this converter was compared with the sea conditions of Puerto Rico. The amount of energy this attenuator is capable of extracting at different wave modes was determined to be 1,463,800 kWh annually. Finally, a 10.5 MW hypothetical wave energy project analyzed using Net Present Worth to determine if a project of this size is economically feasible. The project is feasible with an escalated selling price of approximately 12¢/kWh.