Wave power estimation by means of spectral wave models and satellite records

• Main Authors: Liakatas, A., Galanis, G., Kalogeri, C., Kallos, G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/uoadl:3069513

The aim of this work is to study different approaches for the estimation of the energy potential of sea waves. To this end, numerical models and remote sensing, especially satellites, are utilised for the regions of North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In particular, two methods are compared: one based on the full wave spectrum and a second utilising simplified formulas based on specific wave parameters and certain approximations. Moreover, an attempt for a qualitative assessment of the wave model WAM over areas of different wave climatology is made by the comparison of relevant wave spectra. The main outcomes of this work show that simplified calculation approaches of wave energy potential overestimate the energy rate of even 10% on average, varying in the cases of shallow or deep waters. Moreover, the performance of the wave model is satisfactory resulting to small statistical errors in the calculation of wave characteristics, a fact that proves the suitability of WAM model for reliable wave energy assessment. © 2017 Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology.