Wave-farm impacts on the wave characteristics and wave-resource characterization: A case study

Abstract

The structured-grid Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) model (resolution ∼450 m and ∼35 m) was used to assess the impact of five Wave Dragon wave-energy converters (WECs) on wave conditions and wave resources on the coast at Vung Tron, Vietnam. Four scenarios were considered: a baseline scenario (no wave farm) and three wave-farm scenarios with installations at water depths of 25 m, 30 m and 35 m, respectively. Each scenario was analyzed over a seven-year period from 2010 to 2016 and during the passage of Tropical Depression Wilma on the November 6, 2013. While the wave period did not differ significantly in the two periods, significant wave height and wave power decreased substantially. The wave farm caused a notable decline in these wave parameters in its lee. The closest wave farm to the coast reduced the significant wave height most at the reference 10m-depth contour, but it had the lowest wave-energy availability. However, there was no significant decrease in significant wave height in the surf zone (water depth <5m). Additionally, the results along the 10m-depth contour showed the western and southwestern areas behind the wave farms were the most sheltered by them.