Numerical evaluation of wave energy potential in the south of Brazil

Abstract

Wave energy extraction in coastal regions may be an excellent alternative due to the increase in global demand for renewable energy. The viability study of this extraction depends on the evaluation of the wave energy potential that is higher in regions located in high latitudes. Therefore, this study shows evaluation and characterization of wave energy in the south of Brazil. Numerical simulations were carried out by the Mike 21 SW spectral model which was calibrated and validated in the region measurement campaigns. Annual, seasonal and monthly means and the temporal variability of the wave energy potential in a 10-year wave hindcast were analyzed offshore and nearshore. Annual mean fluxes in three points nearshore had similar values; the highest one was 6.7 kW/m, while the wave energy flux offshore was 22.3 kW/m. The refraction and the bottom friction dissipation were responsible for the wave attenuation from offshore to nearshore and, consequently, for the decrease in wave energy. The annual, seasonal and monthly variabilities of wave energy fluxes were moderate offshore and high nearshore. A directional analysis showed that the dominant wave directions were S and NE offshore whereas they were SSE and E nearshore.