Numerical Forecasting Experiment of the Wave Energy Resource in the China Sea

Chong Wei Zheng,Xuan Chen,Chong Yin Li,Jing Pan

doi:10.1155/2016/5692431

Abstract

The short-term forecasting of wave energy is important to provide guidance for the electric power operation and power transmission system and to enhance the efficiency of energy capture and conversion. This study produced a numerical forecasting experiment of the China Sea wave energy using WAVEWATCH-III (WW3, the latest version 4.18) wave model driven by T213 (WW3-T213) and T639 (WW3-T639) wind data separately. Then the WW3-T213 and WW3-T639 were verified and compared to build a short-term wave energy forecasting structure suited for the China Sea. Considering the value of wave power density (WPD), “wave energy rose,” daily and weekly total storage and effective storage of wave energy, this study also designed a series of short-term wave energy forecasting productions. Results show that both the WW3-T213 and WW3-T639 exhibit a good skill on the numerical forecasting of the China Sea WPD, while the result of WW3-T639 is much better. Judging from WPD and daily and weekly total storage and effective storage of wave energy, great wave energy caused by cold airs was found. As there are relatively frequent cold airs in winter, early spring, and later autumn in the China Sea and the surrounding waters, abundant wave energy ensues.

Highlights

In the current world where human beings are severely plagued by the problems of environment and resources, full exploitation and utilization of new energy resources will effectively alleviate the energy crisis and contribute to global energy-saving, emission reduction, and environmental protection, promoting sustainable development
We produced a numerical forecasting experiment of the China Sea wave energy during two cold air processes on 12–17 March 2013, using WW3 wave model driven by T213 (WW3-T213) and T639 (WW3T639) wind data separately
The WW3-T213 and WW3T639 were verified and compared to build a short-term wave energy forecasting structure suited for the China Sea

Summary

Introduction

In the current world where human beings are severely plagued by the problems of environment and resources, full exploitation and utilization of new energy resources will effectively alleviate the energy crisis and contribute to global energy-saving, emission reduction, and environmental protection, promoting sustainable development. The use of observational data and numerical simulation to assess and divide the class of the wave energy resource has provided better references for site selection of wave energy development, for example, wave power plant location. Akpinar and Kömürcü [10] have analyzed the Black Sea wave energy resource based on 15-year hindcast data by using the SWAN (Simulated WAves Nearshore) wave model. Considering the value and stability of the WPD, energy level frequency, and resource reserve, Zheng et al [13, 14] have analyzed the overall characteristics of the China Sea wave energy resource. Results show that while the China Sea is not located in areas with the most abundant wave energy, they do contain suitable wave energy resources for exploitation, especially in the East. Zheng and Li [15] have revealed the climatic long-term trends of the China

Methodology and Data

Validation of the Forecasting

Spatial-Temporal Distribution of the Forecasting Wave

Conclusions