Impact of Wave Energy Converters and Port Layout on Coastal Dynamics: Case Study of Astara Port

Abstract

In the face of depleting fossil energy and the imperative of sustainable development, there is a compelling drive towards advancing renewable energies. In this context, sustainable and predictable alternatives, like marine energy, gain prominence. Marine energy presents a cleaner option devoid of the adverse effects associated with fossil fuels, playing a crucial role in environmental sustainability by safeguarding coastlines against erosion. This study focuses on Astara Port in the Caspian Sea, exploring the utilization of wave energy converters (WECs). The originality of this study’s research lies in exploring WECs’ dual role in energy generation and coastal protection. Using MIKE21 software simulations, the impact of number, location, arrangement, and orientation of WECs across various scenarios was investigated, including two WEC number scenarios (11 and 13), three structural placement scenarios (north, front, and south of the port), two structural arrangement scenarios (linear and staggered), two port layout scenarios (original layout and modified layout), and two orientation scenarios for the structures (facing north-east, which is the dominant wave direction, and facing southeast). The results show a remarkable decrease in the significant wave height behind WECs, notably with 13 staggered devices facing dominant waves (from northeast), reducing the significant wave height Hs by 23–25%. This setup also shows the highest wave height reduction, notably 36.26% during a storm event. However, linear WEC setup offers more extensive coastline protection, covering 47.88% of the model boundary during storms. Furthermore, the 11 staggered WECs facing southeast (SE) arrangement had the lowest sediment accumulation at 0.0358 m over one year, showing effective sedimentation mitigation potential. Conversely, the 13 linear WECs facing northeast (NE) had the highest accumulation at 0.1231 m. Finally, the proposed port design redirects high-velocity flow away from the port entrance and removes rotatory flow, reducing sediment accumulation near the harbor entrance.