Impact of wave energy farms on shoreline wave climate
Summary
This work describes the study of the impact of energy absorption by wave farms on the nearshore wave climate and, in special, the influence of the incident wave conditions and the number and position of the wave farms, on the nearshore wave characteristics is studied and discussed. The study was applied to the maritime zone at the West coast off Portugal, namely in front of São Pedro de Moel, where it is foreseen the deployment of offshore wave energy prototypes and farms between the 30 m and 90 m bathymetric lines, with an area of 320 Km2. In this study the REFDIF model was adapted in order to model the energy extraction by wave farms. Three different sinusoidal incident wave conditions were considered. Five different wave farm configurations, varying the position of the wave farm, its number and the width of the navigation channels at each wave farm were analysed. The results for each configuration in terms of the change of the wave characteristics (wave height and wave direction) at the nearshore are presented, compared and discussed for three representative wave conditions.
References
- “The impact of wave energy farms in the shoreline wave climate: Portuguese pilot zone case study using Pelamis energy wave devices”, A. Palha, L. Mendes, C. J. Fortes, A. Brito-Melo, A. Sarmento. Renewable Energy, 35(1), pp. 62-77 (2010). publisher
Artificial surfing reef
Summary
This work describes the Numerical and Physical Modelling components of the main project entitled “Viability study of the artificial surfing reef of S. Pedro do Estoril”. These studies aim to establish the main characteristics (dimensions, orientation and location) of the artificial surfing reef for S. Pedro do Estoril and to analyse its hydrodynamic performance for different incident wave conditions. The main conclusions of both studies were that the reef solution permits the improvement of the surf conditions in the area of S. Pedro do Estoril especially for the most frequent wave in the region. However, in both studies some problems related with strong reflection and vortices in the reef’s corners where detected and should be improved in the final solution.
References
- “Viability Study of an Artificial Surf Reef in S. Pedro do Estoril, Cascais, Portugal”, P. Bicudo, M. Custódio, N. Cardoso, C. J. Fortes, M. da Graça Neves, L. Mendes, P. Monteiro, A. Palha, M. J. Nogueira, L. Miguel. International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers, ISOPE-I-08-355 (2008). publisher
PY_Refdif_S
Summary
The parabolic mild-slope model Refdif_S simulates the propagation and deformation of irregular waves in coastal regions with variable water depth. PY_Refdif_S software tool is an extension of the model, using a multi-grid approach in order to achieve a more efficient and applicable model to large areas and a large set of different wave conditions. The tool is made up of several Python routines that automatically build multiple grids, prepare data files and execute Refdif_S for several sea states. The model was applied to the study of irregular wave propagation from offshore to nearshore in the region of Torres-Mostardas, Brazil. For a range of irregular incident sea states, several calculations with the tool were performed. The wave field and local sea states were characterised in that area. Based on this application, advantages and limitations of the tool are analysed.
References
- “Irregular wave propagation at Torres-Mostardas beach, Brazil”, A. Palha, C.J. Fortes, P.R.F. Teixeira, L.V. Pinheiro. Maritime Engineering, 163(MA2), pp. 57-71 (2010). publisher