Assessment of combined wind and wave energy in the tropical cyclone affected region:An application in China seas

Abstract

Marine renewable energy resources are important for clean energy development. Research on the combined assessment of wind and wave resources, especially in tropical cyclone (TC) affected area is still rare. This study is to assess the potential combined wind and wave energy in the coastal waters of China, where TCs frequently occurred. The study utilizes the blended wind field with a parametric TC model based on the ECMWF reanalysis wind data from 1979 to 2013 for assessing potential wind energy, and the waves generated by the same wind data using the FVCOM-SWAVE model for assessing wave energy. The combined wind and wave energy density and annual power generation are analyzed. The potential energy from wind and waves at 15 nearshore locations along China east coasts are estimated. The results show that the frequency and intensity of TCs have a considerable impact on the distribution of density and stability of wind and wave energy, especially in the southeastern coastal areas of China. Suggestions of site selection of co-located wind and wave farm in the coastal waters of China are given. The research outcome provides a useful guidance for the selection of potential sites and design of wind and wave energy converters along the China coasts.