Single Slope Shore Protection as a Wave Energy Catcher

Abstract

Wave energy is being increasingly regarded in many countries as a major, promising and renewable resource. This paper presents the development of slope coastal protection as a wave energy converter by capturing sea water into the reservoir through overtopping process. Physical models simulation were conducted at The Laboratory of Coastal Engineering, Hasanuddin University. A model of 30 cm x 90 cm in the 30° degree of slope made from acrylic material equipped with a reservoir at the top surface of the structures to catch seawater through run up and overtopping. Models were simulated with various wave high and periods as well as high of freeboard. The results showed that the overtopping discharge (Q) much influenced by relative freeboard height (Fb/d), wave steepness (Hi/L), reflected waves (Kr) and the number of standing waves (Nsw). The increasing Fb, the decreasing Q; the increasing wave steepness, the increasing overtopping discharge. It was found that the larger the reflection coefficient, the greater the discharge overtopping. Standing waves in front of the structure due to the superposition of the incident wave and reflection waves also contribute to enlarge the overtopping discharge.