To date the estimation of long-term wave energy production at a given deployment site has commonly been limited to a consideration of the significant wave height H s and mean energy period T e . This paper addresses the sensitivity of power production from wave energy converters to the wave groupiness and spectral bandwidth of sea states. Linear and non-linear systems are implemented to simulate the response of converters equipped with realistic power take-off devices in real sea states. It is shown in particular that, when the converters are not much sensitive to wave directionality, the bandwidth characteristic is appropriate to complete the set of overall wave parameters describing the sea state for the purpose of estimating wave energy production.
Consenting is still generally regarded as a non-technological barrier to the progress of the marine renewable energy industry, caused by the complexity of consenting processes and the lack of dedicated legal frameworks. Existing consenting systems for ocean energy projects tend to be based on procedures designed for other sectors and are seen as inappropriate for the specific needs of ocean energy. Licensing procedures are also viewed by developers as time-consuming because regulators see ocean energy as a new activity with unknown or uncertain effects and consequently often apply strong interpretation of the precautionary principle. Consenting processes for ocean energy are, nevertheless, evolving throughout Europe, driven by national and European policies and incentives on renewables, changing legal and administrative frameworks to facilitate development and more integrated marine governance. This review compares the consenting processes for ocean energy in different European countries, focusing on aspects thought to hamper operation of the process. It shows that different systems of governance across the EU Member States have resulted in diversity in the design of consenting processes, though common features can also be identified. This evidence-based review enables suggestions for streamlining consenting processes for wave energy.
To evaluate the performance of a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) with realistic Power Take-Off (PTO) configurations, moorings, control systems and other contributions, time-domain models are required to deal with the non-linearities arising from the different elements of the energy chain. Future developers, in order to give a correct estimation of the expected power output of their devices, will have to apply these models and will be asked about the accuracy they can provide, particularly on what concerns the performance of the device in a determined location. A general mathematical outline of this approach was firstly proposed by Cummins by using, under linear assumptions, a classical way of representing the equation of motion of a floating body with a system of integro-differential equations with convolution terms that involve frequency-dependent coefficients. Many methods have been proposed, in literature, to solve this system in the most efficient and accurate way. Some of them relied on a direct numerical integration using standard methods for the solution of Ordinary Differential Equations, while, in turn, others are based on the approximation of the radiation convolution term with a determined number of linear sub-systems or properly chosen transfer functions. This paper presents a general scheme for a simple heaving single-body WEC, whose hydraulic Power Take-Off is coupled to a gas accumulator that serves as a storage device. Different time-domain methods will be used and compared. Particular attention will be paid to the accuracy of the performance calculation of this WPA. It is expected that the results of the simulations provide deeper understanding of the importance of the numerical parameters used in the estimation of the device performance and in this way will constitute an additional suggestion for the choice of a time-domain model for the evaluation of a WPA performance.
33The wave energy industry is an emerging sector and a new user of maritime space that has 34 potential to contribute significantly to the EU renewable energy goals. International and 35 national regulatory frameworks necessitate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) that 36 provide important data to inform development consent decisions. Here we have evaluated 37 experience related to the assessment programmes at EU wave energy test centres combined 38 with knowledge gained from EIA produced for other similar renewable energy developments. 39 From this we have identified key receptors of concern, as well as the type and magnitude of 40 impacts which may be expected. The key environmental receptors of concern for wave energy 41 EIA include the physical environment (e.g. morphology, waves and current) and flora and 42 fauna 1 as represented by marine mammals, seabirds, benthos, fish and shellfish. 43From a review of the EIAs performed at wave energy test centres, we identified several lessons 44 regarding the wave energy EIA process. There is clear evidence that the receptors of primary 45
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