Long-Term Macro-Scale Assessment of Wave Power of Black Sea by an Optimized Numerical Model

Abstract

Sea wave power is one of the cleanest renewable energy resources with the potential to mitigate the challenges of global warming and climate change while contributing to the ever-increasing energy demand. Studies show that wave energy production is closely related to wave height and wave period. Accordingly, the potential assessment and characterization of wave energy is vital for planning, production and utilization of wave energy. This study investigated the monthly, seasonal and annual wave energy characteristics of the Black Sea using the third-generation, state-of-the-art numerical model, MIKE 21 SW, based on 37 years of wind data obtained from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. To set up the model and represent actual field conditions, computational mesh of the study domain was optimized and then the model was calibrated using data observed at nine points. According to the results of the study, the maximum mean monthly wave energy was obtained in the months of January and February. In terms of seasons, the maximum mean seasonal wave energy was observed in the winter. The analysis of the results at annual scale showed that the western part of the sea has more wave energy potential than the eastern part.