Assessing the optimal location for a shoreline wave energy converter

This work deals with the assessment of the optimal location in terms of the electric energy production-for a shoreline Wave Energy Converter (WEC). The methodology is presented through a case study in which the wave energy conversion technology and the location selected correspond to the Seawave Slot-Cone Generator (SSG) and a coastal strip in Galicia (NW Spain), respectively. This region represents one of the European areas with the greatest wave energy resource and where pilot plants for wave energy conversion are still undeveloped. To carry out the assessment, we consider the wave data recorded at an offshore buoy and the power matrix of the SSG. The wave conditions offshore-representing the 90% of the total energy for an average year are propagated through a third generation wave model toward the coast. On the basis of the results, five hotspots or areas with high wave energy levels are highlighted. After crossing the power matrix of the WEC with the wave conditions, we map the expected energy production and the percentage of the total energy captured along the coastline. Among the five hot spots in the area, one is proposed as the optimum for the SSG location. Finally, we discuss the energy supply capacity of the WEC to satisfy the energy consumption needs of nearby communities. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.