Inter- and intra-annual wave energy resource assessment in the south-western black sea coast

Abstract

This study focuses on the inter- and intra-annual variation in theoretical wave power along the southwestern coast of the Black Sea. Long-term (1979-2009) hindcast developed using the calibrated three-layer nested SWAN model was used for a detailed assessment of wave energy resource. Annual change, monthly and seasonal wave power variability indices were evaluated, and the Optimal Hotspot Index (OHI) was calculated for 62 sites along the coast to rate the hotspot locations. The assessment shows the highest wave energy resources in western Karaburun with higher variability. However, the western Sinop sites have lower wave energy resources compared to western Karaburun sites, in spite of considering the lower variability, these sites are more appropriate for wave energy extraction. The location with the highest potential (KAS 100 m depth) has an average of 8.4 kW/m and a maximum of 1015 kW/m wave power capacity. The east sites of Sinop and Filyos are comparatively less dynamic. Moreover, it was found that the average peak values of wave heights are in February, and the lowest sea state was in June. 2003 was the most, and 1989 was the least energetic years in the 31-year period.