Characterization of Wave Power Resources off the Coast of Guangdong

Abstract

A wave energy resource characterization for China’s Guangdong Coast is carried out utilizing 1-year (2020) wave data from four buoy sites. The wave heights, wave periods, wave directions, and effective wave height occurrence were analyzed using statistical methods. The wave energy spectrum methodology is used to calculate the wave power density. The wave energy level frequency and effective storage of wave energy are presented. The seasons and month variation indices are used to assess the wave power stability. The contribution of sea conditions to wave power is examined. The results indicate that the waters off Guangdong are rich in wave-related energy resources. The average wave energy density is (8.55–13.1) kW/m, and the maximum wave energy density is (94.6–624.2) kW/m. The effective reserves in winter are the largest at 1.0 × 106 kW·h/m. The biggest share of wave energy is found in the sea state, with significant wave heights of 0.5–1.0 m and significant wave periods of 5–6 s. Typhoons contribute very little to yearly wave energy, yet they are significant when evaluating the dependability and durability of ocean wave energy converters.