2010 · 457 citations · 4 references
GeophysicsMeteorologyClimatologyEngineeringMarine EnergyPhysicsPhysical OceanographyWave GroupEnergy TransitionOffshore Wind EnergyGeographyTidal PowerSea IceIberian PeninsulaWave MotionGlobal Wind-wave ModelWave EnergyEarth Science
The study evaluates the global wave energy potential using data from a validated global wind‑wave model and the WorldWaves buoy database. The authors computed theoretical potential from all wave data, then excluded low‑power (≤5 kW/m) and sea‑ice–affected areas, and presented annual and seasonal power distributions in tables and maps. The analysis of the Iberian Peninsula’s west coast revealed a marked power decline from north to south over a 500 km span.
In this paper the evaluation of the global wave energy potential is presented based on data from a global wind-wave model (validated and calibrated against satellite altimeter data) and buoy data (the WorldWaves database). The theoretical potential was computed first using all the available wave data and, in a second step, areas in which the power level is very low (P≤5kW/m) were excluded. Finally, in the third step, areas impacted by sea ice were removed. Annual and seasonal power distributions are presented both in tables and maps. The technical resource was also assessed for the west coast of Iberian peninsula showing a significant power decrease from north to south within only 500 km.
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