Prediction of Wave Energy Transformation Capability in Isolated Islands by Using the Monte Carlo Method

Abstract

In this work, a mathematical computer simulation model is used to predict the possible energy generated from different Waves Energy Converters (WECs) in the Canary Islands. The Monte Carlo Method is the computer simulation model proposed to predict the generated energy. The Waves Energy Converter systems analyzed in the study were, the Aqua Buoy, Wave Dragon and Pelamis converters. The models were implemented and validated, with the dataset of Gran Canaria deep water buoy. This buoy belongs to a network of buoys belonging to Spain’s State Ports and they cover a dataset period of 22 years. The research has concluded that it is possible to affirm that the achieved model is a strong tool to compute the possible energy of any WECs, when the power matrix is known. The model based on the Monte Carlo simulation can be used in isolated islands of the Atlantic Ocean and can be extrapolated to other regions with the same characteristics.

Assessment of Wave Energy Converters Based on Historical Data from a Given Point in the Sea

“…From each of these random numbers, the behaviour of the system is then modelled. Finally, the set of randomized states is statistically analysed to determine the expected values and probability distributions of the system response [10,36,37].…”

“…Many areas of the Canary Islands offer good wave potential, in excess of 25 kW/m in some points on the north and west coasts of all the islands, and higher on islands that are not affected by the shadow of other islands, such as the island of El Hierro. The seven islands of the archipelago are exposed to the waves generated on the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other hand, to the trade winds characteristic of these regions, which normally blow constantly throughout the year [5,9,10]. It is thus feasible to develop the wave energy industry in the marine waters around the islands, given that different industries and infrastructures such as ports, shipyards, shipping companies, etc., are already established in the archipelago, mainly on the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria [11].…”

Shape Optimization of Oscillating Buoy Wave Energy Converter Based on the Mean Annual Power Prediction Model

“…The power output was maximized under a specific wave climate. Avila et al [23] have predicted the energy generated from different WECs in the Canary Islands by using the Monte Carlo method. Avila et al [24] proposed two mathematical models to forecast the wave energy based on fuzzy inference systems (FIS) and artificial neural networks (ANN), respectively.…”

Wave Energy Potential of the Coast of El Hierro Island for the Exploitation of a Wave Energy Converter (WEC)

“…Global warming, nuclear accidents, or acid rain, among multiple unwanted side effects, are forcing us to adapt next-generation guidelines with the aim of achieving an ecologically sustainable energy model that favors new energy resources, as agreed in the "United Nations Conference on Climate Change" (COP26) of 2021, held in Glasgow, United Kingdom [1]. Some of the most appealing options within the range of renewable technologies are photovoltaic, wind, and wave technology; however, despite the fact that solar and wind energy have reached a high enough maturity level to be commercially viable, wave energy has lagged behind, with no effective commercial prototypes [2,3]. Even so, wave energy is increasingly considered as an important and promising resource.…”

“…The gross wave resource energy estimated worldwide is about 32,000 TWh/year, which exceeds the amount of electricity consumed by humanity in a whole year [5,6]. The wave energy resource identified in Europe (EU) is in the range of 1000-1500 TWh/year [2].…”