A Preliminary Study of Wave Energy Resource Using an HF Marine Radar, Application to an Eastern Southern Pacific Location: Advantages and Opportunities

Abstract

As climate change is of global concern, the electric generation through fossil fuel is progressively shifted to renewable energies. Among the renewables, the most common solar and wind, the wave energy stands for its high-power density. Studies about wave energy resource have been increasing over the years, especially in coastal countries. Several research investigations have assessed the global wave power, with higher values at high latitudes. However, to have a precise assessment of this resource, the measurement systems need to provide a high temporal and spatial resolution, and due to the lack of in-situ measurements, the way to estimate this value is numerical. Here, we use a high-frequency radar to estimate the wave energy resource in a nearshore central Chile at a high resolution. The study focuses near Concepción city (36.5° S), using a WERA (WavE RAdar) high frequency (HF) radar. The amount of annual energy collected is calculated. Analysis of coefficient of variation (COV), seasonal variability (SV), and monthly variability (MV) shows the area’s suitability for installing a wave energy converter device due to a relatively low variability and the high concentration of wave power obtained. The utility of HF radars in energy terms relies on its high resolution, both temporal and spatial. It can then compare the location of interest within small areas and use them as a complement to satellite measurements or numerical models, demonstrating its versatility.