Modeling dynamic power generation from ocean waves in the Kingdom of Tonga: A comprehensive analysis using integrated mechanical and electrical framework

Abstract

Globally, ocean wave energy can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity generation sector. Wave energy converters (WECs) could be installed in the Kingdom of Tonga, which is surrounded by ocean, where the average wave energy flux is greater than 7 kW/m. There is a lack of feasibility studies in this area due to the unavailability of measured data on wave parameters and properties; hence, the potential of WEC is yet to be discovered or exploited. This study proposes an integrated mechanical and electrical modeling framework to analyze the impact of wave characteristics on dynamic power generation in three main islands of Tonga, including ‘Eua, Tongatapu, and Niuafo’ou. The mechanical simulation involves using a 2D Fourier wave model to identify the important factors that affect the power potential of ocean waves, such as wave height and period. The wave model is linked to a comprehensive electrical simulation model developed in Matlab Simulink, which includes a permanent magnet linear synchronous generator (PMLSG), rectifier, buck converter, inverter, and load to estimate the electrical power potential per 1 m2 of ocean area. According to the findings, in ‘Eua, the maximum annual generation intensity output is 90.45 kWh/m2, whereas in Niuafo'ou, the minimum is 48.5 kWh/m2. Applying this to a region (12.57 m2) where a WEC has been deployed in Australia, the highest yearly electricity generation in ‘Eua ranges between 926.41 and 1136.96 kWh/y, but in Tongatapu and Niuafo'ou, it ranges between around 610 and 899 kWh/y.