Wave Energy Extraction and Coastal Protection

Abstract

Considering the wider context of opportunities and efforts related to a growing marine energy conversion sector, this study presents work aimed to enhance the understanding of wave resource characterisation for high and medium energy sites in Scottish waters.
Results obtained through numerous field data campaigns over a 7 year period in the north of Scotland are shown, including ADCP deployments in shallow water at one of the UK’s most energetic prospective wave power sites off the Isle of Lewis, but also use of wave measurement buoys in intermediate and deep water within the same area. To investigate opportunities for wave power developments in more sheltered sites, analysis is presented for an area in the Inner Hebrides, east of the island of Colonsay. An overview of additional data campaigns in and around Orkney and the Outer Hebrides is also contained in this study, and this includes the use of X-band radar for wave and current characterisation, with initial results showing promising opportunities for further work and analysis.
Due to the complex nature of developing cost-effective and reliable wave energy conversion technologies, the WEC developer’s focus is generally on device specific design engineering, based on generic assumptions in relation to the wave resource. Where this might be an appropriate approach with view to survivability and general performance, this study suggests that careful consideration must also be given to site specific resource characteristics, with particular view to exploitation of localised energy hotspots, seasonal variability, and installation and operational challenges from an early technology and project design stage. Only by carefully matching WEC technology against site and project specific resource data in a holistic approach, will it be possible to secure investor confidence, which is paramount to the development and funding of future medium and large scale wave energy installations in Scotland and beyond.

Date of Award	4 Oct 2018
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Edinburgh
Supervisor	Alasdair MacLeod (Supervisor) & Vengatesan Venugopal (Supervisor)