Feasibility study on utilizing oscillating wave surge converters (OWSCs) in nearshore regions, case study: Along the southeastern coast of Iran in Oman sea

Abstract

Considering the need for energy basket diversification and reducing fossil fuel consumption to control global warming, making renewable energies an appropriate solution. Wave energy is one of the most notable solutions offering the highest energy density among renewable energies. However, this energy source is not yet extensively developed. Finding an appropriate location to install the interested Wave Energy Converters (WECs) requires exquisite consideration. This study introduced a methodology through a case study to assess the use of OWSCs in nearshore regions. The southeast coasts of Iran along the Oman Sea were investigated as the case study, is the country's only oceanic coast and offers a higher potential for wave energy extraction. Therefore, to achieve this aim, the wave characteristics data were obtained from the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIO). The data was validated based on two buoys implemented by the Iran Meteorological Organization. By overlapping four key variables (average wave power, wave direction, distance from shoreline, and bathymetry) in annual and seasonal intervals via the geographic information system (GIS) program, five points were identified as optimal. Next, the distribution of wave height and period as well as angle distribution of wave power were analyzed for five considered points. Therefore, two points with appropriate distributions were selected with the following specifications an average annual wave power of 2–3.5 kW/m, wave direction arriving from the south-southwest, a depth of below 40 m, and coastal distance less than 5 km. In summer, due to the Indian Ocean monsoon, the potential to harness wave energy significantly increases.