Wave energy resources in nearshore area of Dongluo Island, Sanya

Abstract

Based on a bottom-mounted monitoring system, wave characteristics to the northeast shore of Dongluo Island, Sanya, are investigated from July 12 to August 27, 2018. Wave energy resources of the surveying point are evaluated. Analyses demonstrate that, during the observation period, the significant wave height of the surveying point lies in the range of 0.13-1.28 m, the peak period is 1.68-9.57 s, and the main wave direction is mainly southeast. The wave energy density ranges from 0.041 to 2.615 kW m−1, with a mean of 0.222 kW m−1, suggesting relative low wave energy. The wave energy density from southeast-east and southeast directions accounts for about 65.2% of the total. The significant wave height range from 0.2 to 0.5 m, with a period range from 4 to 9 s has prominent contributions (83.71%) to the total wave energy. The northwest of the South China Sea, where Dongluo Island located, is controlled by southwest monsoon during the observation period, and the wave from the southwest may be attenuated by the island during its northward propagation. The surveying point in this study may not be the best location for wave energy converter, which can be further optimized.