A Methodology for Large-Scale Ocean Wave Power Time-Series Generation

Ocean wave power is characterized by high power density, and wave forecasts can predict incident wave energy days in advance. These qualities make ocean wave power a promising renewable energy source. In the near future, utility-scale wave energy conversion arrays will likely be installed. However, little is currently known on the impact of large wave energy conversion (WEC) facilities on utility operation and planning. In this paper, a methodology is developed for generating WEC array power time series that can be used for wave power utility integration purposes. Sample results show that the methodology produces first-order approximations of WEC array outputs and demonstrate that significant smoothing of the total wave power output from an array can be expected.