Available Ocean Wave Power and Prediction of Power Extracted by a Contouring Raft Conversion System

Abstract

Techniques are described which have been employed to develop detailed, quantitive estimates of the available ocean wave energy flux. A summary of results for a region of particular interest to potential U.S. developers of wave energy systems — the U.S. Northwest Pacific Coast — is also presented. Comparisons with results of other studies are made. In addition, a method for predicting the amount of mechanical energy captured by a conversion device, based on a frequency domain technique, is presented. Results are predicted for an articulated, contour following raft deployed in deep, open water west of the mouth of the Columbia River.

Multicriteria Decision Analysis for Wave Power Technology in Canada

“…Wave power extraction has long since been an alternative energy source being studied as far back as was conducted by Brown et al [4]. It is a low density resource, resulting in the requirement to have large structures to capture the energy [5]. Wave power is a predictable source of sustainable energy that has yet to be utilized to any significant extent anywhere in the world [2].…”