Feasibility Study for the Extraction of Wave Energy along the Coast of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

Tzeltzin Hernandez-Sanchez,Chiara Scaini,Rosanna Bonasia

doi:10.3390/jmse9030284

Abstract

Mexico is one of the countries with the highest emissions of greenhouse gases. In order to reduce the emission of contaminants due to fossil fuels, the state of Baja California has recently launched several research projects for the optimization of facilities for the exploitation of renewable sources, and in particular wave energy. In this work a first-level feasibility study of energy extraction from wave motion is presented for the Ensenada coast, along a complex distance of more than 200 km. The methodology proposed provides good spatial and temporal resolution for wave heights and periods calculation and consequently for the wave power. The methodology is based on the application of the coupled Simulated Waves Nearshore and Advanced Circulation (SWAN + ADCIRC) model for generation, propagation and dissipation of waves. To take into account the meteorological variability within a 21-year dataset, the Typical Meteorological Year method was applied. Results show that overall, the most persistent energy potential during the year is >2 kW/m, with peaks of 5 and 10 kW/m during few months. Given the theoretical energy potential calculated, the Ensenada coast could produce hundreds of GWh per year. The proposed methodology can be applied for the exploration of other coasts with energy potential.

Highlights

Research and inversion in marine energy, combined with other renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and tidal, can help reduce environmental problems, as well as overcome and compensate for the progressive reduction of fossil fuels
A methodology for a first-level feasibility study of energy extraction from wave motion was presented. This methodology is characterized by providing a good spatial and temporal resolution for waves height and period calculation and for the energy potential extractable from the area. This resolution was achieved by using a coupled model for generation, propagation and dissipation of waves that can run on one single unstructured mesh so that the computing domain can extend to a large area without losing spatial resolution
To take into account the meteorological variability, the statistical method of the Typical Meteorological Year was applied, which allowed us to condense in one year the most usual meteorological conditions of a 21-year dataset

Summary

Introduction

Research and inversion in marine energy, combined with other renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and tidal, can help reduce environmental problems (e.g., pollution and CO2 production), as well as overcome and compensate for the progressive reduction of fossil fuels. Pollution and the production of energy through fossil fuels are closely linked to each other. Even if fossil fuels are still available at the moment, they constitute a finite source of energy, and represent a source of conflict. For many countries around the world, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels has become an important goal of energy policies. The Danish Commission on Climate Change, for example, in 2010 presented a proposal for activities to make the country independent of fossil fuels by 2050 [1]. Many projects have been developed with the aim of providing and standardizing details and procedures for extracting energy from waves

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Discussion

Conclusion