Long-term temporal and spatial analysis of wave energy content for high-potential areas in the black sea

This study aims to conduct a spatial and temporal analysis of wave energy potential and variability along the south-west coast of the Black Sea. To do this, 31-year long-term wave information (Hm0 and Tm- 10) generated with a calibrated nested SWAN model with increasing spatial resolution (a coarse grid, fine grid, and three sub-grids) are used. Using this long-term wind/wave database, wave energy potential along the south-west coast of the Black Sea is firstly quantified. Secondly, wave energy potential and its variability are examined based on spatial and location-based outputs. Using spatial outputs, spatial distribution of the annual, seasonal and monthly mean wave power, annual, seasonal and monthly variation coefficients of wave power, monthly and seasonal variability indices of wave power, and total and exploitable wave energy potential (reserve) for each of the sub-grids are analyzed in detail. Using location-based (stations) outputs, annual, seasonal and monthly average changes of wave power, trends of annual maximum and average wave power, wave power roses, wave power probability curves of exceedance, yearly mean wave energy for different wave heights and direction intervals, and at different wave heights and periods intervals for all selected stations in each sub-grid area are identified and examined. In conclusion, in areas where the average wave power is high (Karaburun SD3 sub-grid area), it has been determined that the wave power has a high coefficient of variation. Regions with lower wave power (Filyos SD2 sub-grid area) have been found to have lower coefficient of variation. Annual average wave energy in the southwestern part of the Black Sea is concentrated in a significant wave height range of 0.2 to 1.5 m. Based on wave period, 2 to 5 sec in Karaburun SD 3, 3 to 7 sec in Filyos SD 2 and Sinop SD1 2.5 to 6.5 sec. In this case, it is predicted that existing wave energy converters may be more efficient in the Filyos grid area. It has been also determined that the total potential is 40 MWh/m/year at the westernmost part of the Karaburun sub-grid and decreases to the east to a value of 30 MWh/m/year. These values or a slightly lower values are observed in Filyos and Sinop sub-grids. Karaburun station has an exploitable potential of 25 MWh/m/year towards the offshore while there is an exploitable wave energy potential of less than 20 MWh/m/year along the entire coast of Filyos and Sinop sub-grids.