A Systems Based Modelling Tool for the Selection of Wave Energy Device to Power Remote Islands

A simple systems based model is presented to evaluate the performance of Wave Energy Converter (WEC) in deep waters. The developed model is used to evaluate the potential power generated by a heave type WEC for deployment in the offshore waters near a village in the Western Isles, west coast of Scotland. The dimensions of heave type WEC were chosen so that the natural frequency of the WEC structure was same as that of the dominant wave prevailed in the selected site. It was noted that the chosen structure is capable of generating a maximum of 0.7 MW. However, multiple structures of identical configurations may be used to satisfy the power requirement of the chosen geographical area.