A Numerical Assessment of Artificial Reef Pass Wave-Induced Currents as a Renewable Energy Source

Damien Sous

doi:10.3390/jmse7090284

Abstract

The present study aims to estimate the potential of artificial reef pass as a renewable source of energy. The overall idea is to mimic the functioning of natural reef–lagoon systems in which the cross-reef pressure gradient induced by wave breaking is able to drive an outward flow through the pass. The objective is to estimate the feasibility of a positive energy breakwater, combining the usual wave-sheltering function of immersed breakwater together with the production of renewable energy by turbines. A series of numerical simulations is performed using a depth-averaged model to understand the effects of each geometrical reef parameter on the reef–lagoon hydrodynamics. A synthetic wave and tide climate is then imposed to estimate the potential power production. An annual production between 50 and 70 MWh is estimated.

Highlights

Low-lying nearshore areas host a significant and increasing population
The basic hydrodynamics of the reef–lagoon system is depicted in Figure 3 for the reference case
The present study aims to assess, via a series of numerical simulations, the potential of artificial reef pass wave-induced current as a renewable energy source

Summary

Introduction

Low-lying nearshore areas host a significant and increasing population. Under the combined actions of sea level rise [1], modified storm patterns [2], and increasing urbanization, these regions will face growing risks of submersion, inundation, and erosion [3,4,5,6]. Nearshore management policies are increasingly relying on soft engineering approaches involving for instance managed retreat or artificial beach nourishment [7]. In a wide range of situations, hard-engineering artificial structures, generically called breakwaters, remain necessary to provide an effective protection from the incident wave energy and to create safe berthing and navigation areas and to avoid erosion and submersion [8]. Continuous research efforts are engaged to optimize their performance in a wide range of meteo-marine conditions and to minimize their ecological impact

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Conclusion