Abstract
Classification systems for wave energy resources and wave energy converter (WEC) technologies could provide similar benefits to those for the wind energy industry: resource classification facilitating reconnaissance studies and project planning at both regional and national scales; and WEC classification streamlining and reducing costs of WEC device design and manufacturing. In the present study, a classification system for U.S. wave resources is used to investigate the feasibility of WEC classification. Wave spectra inputs from three wave energy resource classes delineated in this system are used to derive distributions of optimized WEC design scaling factors, as well as WEC design responses. Preliminary results indicate that a single standard WEC design class could serve within a given resource class, and corresponding regional wave climate, due to distinct wave energy distributions and concentrations of energy within partitioned period bands for each resource class. The WEC response to extreme loads was found to vary considerably within the most energetic of the resource classes examined, suggesting the need for these standard design classes to meet structural design requirements based on the upper limits of load response within a given resource class. However, the observed load metric variation is lower than the inter-region resource variations.
Highlights
The success of wind energy resource and wind turbine classification systems has motivated interest in classification systems for the wave energy industry
A wave energy resource classification system would serve as a useful tool that facilitates scoping studies and project planning at both regional and national scales
As wave energy converter (WEC) classification was the main thrust of this study, metrics used for energy resource classification included only the mean significant wave height and mean peak period, which combined define a mean sea state from which other useful energy resource statistics, e.g., mean wave power density, and extreme sea state statistics, can be derived
Summary
The success of wind energy resource and wind turbine classification systems has motivated interest in classification systems for the wave energy industry. As WEC classification was the main thrust of this study, metrics used for energy resource classification included only the mean significant wave height and mean peak period, which combined define a mean sea state from which other useful energy resource statistics, e.g., mean wave power density, and extreme (high-percentile) sea state statistics, can be derived. A resource classification scheme is developed using key wave climate statistics, including those that characterize opportunities for wave power conversion, and those that characterize relative risks to WEC operation and survival This resource classification provides the foundation for examining the potential feasibility of a WEC technology classification scheme, determined through assessment of the spread (variance) of both the optimized WEC design scaling factor, and WEC extreme load responses. The methodologies and key results are presented sequentially
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
