Analyzing of Wave Energy Resources in Gulf of Cadiz - Spain

摘要

Wave energy appears to be one of the most promising sources of the renewable energy. The research on wave energy resource assessment is particularly advanced in countries which have seashores, where access to the wave energy potential is possible. For this reason, this paper presents an assessment of wave resource characterization and wave energy potential in Gulf of Cadiz in Spain, using two different data namely, the measured data of buoy and numerical modeling data of ocean wave model (WAM). The available used data are gathered from the Spanish Port Authority for a period of twelve years (2005-2016). The annual average wave power (AAWP) was found 4.948 kW/m for the buoy, which is equivalent of 43.35 MWh/m. For the modeling data the AAWP was found 4.665 kW/m, which is equivalent to 40.87 MWh/m. These results confirming the slight under-prediction of (5.7%). The numerical simulations data were compared with those measured at the buoy for each month, during the twelve year to test their accuracy, based on common statistical indicators for performance for both the average significant wave height and average wave energy period. Their results showed a fairly good match results with them and the numerical modeling found can be an alternative model which provides more accurate and efficient wave characteristics for evaluation the wave energy conversion in this area.