Wave energy assessment related to wave energy convertors in the coastal waters of China

Abstract Wave energy assessments related to wave energy convertors in the coastal waters of China are very scarce. Thus, based on ERA-Interim wave field data acquired over the past 40 years, we assessed the applicability of state-of-the-art wave energy convertors at key stations in the coastal waters of China and obtained some important conclusions that can provide guidance for the future siting of wave farms and the design, manufacturing, construction, operation, and maintenance of wave energy convertors. The results show that the Wave Star and Sharp Eagle Wanshan are the most suitable wave energy convertors according to the capacity factor, while the Wave Star and Wave Dragon are the most suitable devices according to the capture width. The dominant direction of wave energy transport was concentrated in the N-ENE direction. From the perspective of wave energy transport, the South China Sea is the most suitable sea area for establishing nearshore wave farms, and the percentages of energy available for continued development exceeded 66%. Nearly all wave conditions that yielded outstanding energy contributions were under the storm protection state, and the energy contribution percentages exceeded 74% at each station. These conditions are convenient for the concentrated collection and utilization of energy.