Integration of a wave energy converter into the electricity supply of a remote Alaskan island

The electrical power integration of a heaving point absorber wave energy converter to a remote island community of population 100 is investigated. A wave resource assessment, taking into account the local geography, is completed. The operational concept and specifications of the wave energy converter are presented. A detailed description of the frequency domain modelling and control approach used to estimate in situ performance of the wave energy converter is given. Time series comparisons are made between wave power capture and community electrical demand. Analyses of electrical grid penetration ratios suggest that a deployment of a single offshore wave energy converter of 100 kW capacity could be a feasible renewable electricity source for the island. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.