Numerical Modeling of the Wave Energy Propagation in the Iberian Nearshore

Eugen Rusu

doi:10.3390/en11040980

Abstract

In the present work the wave energy propagation patterns in the western side of the Iberian nearshore were evaluated. This assessment takes into account the results provided by a wave modelling system based on spectral phase averaged wave models, which considers subsequent computational domains with increasing resolution towards the coast. The system was previously validated against both in situ measurements and remotely sensed data. Moreover, several data assimilation techniques were implemented as well. In this way, the reliability of the wave predictions was significantly increased. Although extended wave hindcasts have already been carried out close to the Iberian coast of the Atlantic Ocean, including wave energy assessments, they might not be completely accurate because of recent changes in the dynamics of the ocean and coastal wave climate. Thus, the present work considers wave nowcasts that correspond to the most recent and relevant wave energy propagation patterns in the targeted coastal environment. In order to perform this analysis, four different computational levels were considered. The first level corresponds to the sub oceanic domain and it is linked directly to the oceanic wave model, which is implemented over the entire North Atlantic Ocean. The second is related to the coarser computational domains of the coastal areas, while the third relates to the high-resolution domains. These three levels are defined as spherical coordinates (longitude, latitude). Finally, the last computational level includes some coastal areas which have the highest spatial resolution, defined considering the Cartesian coordinates. Moreover, for each level several computational domains have been considered. This work illustrates the most recent and significant wave transformation and energy propagation patterns corresponding to 18 computational domains with various resolutions in the western Iberian coastal environment.

Highlights

IntroductionAmbitious objectives for low carbon energy sources and climate change policy have been set
All over the world, ambitious objectives for low carbon energy sources and climate change policy have been set
In shallow water, corresponding to the high resolution and Cartesian computational domains, the tide might significantly influence the results, see for example [42] and the tide should be considered in the model simulations

Summary

Introduction

Ambitious objectives for low carbon energy sources and climate change policy have been set. Coastal environments represent the most challenging areas for renewable energy extraction. This is because the nearshore has huge energy potential, especially with regard to offshore wind, waves and tides. The most spectacular evolutions can be seen in the area of offshore wind Both fixed wind turbines and floating platforms are being quickly implemented and they have become commercially efficient [2,3]. The major challenge in offshore renewable energy is the achievement of a significant reduction in the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). From this perspective, a revolutionary idea in the wind industry is represented by Energies 2018, 11, 980; doi:10.3390/en11040980 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

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Conclusion