Abstract
The present study utilizes SNL-SWAN (Sandia National Laboratories-Simulating Waves Nearshore), a modified version of an industry standard wave model, to simulate wave propagation through a hypothetical WEC array deployment site on the California coast. SNL-SWAN model simulations were performed in hindcast mode for hourly observed wave data in October 2009. Three different wave conditions were examined more closely based on statistical analysis of the observed data: “average”, “south swell”, and “typhoon”. Model results were compared for runs with an array of 50 floating two-body heaving converters against model runs without. During average wave conditions observed in October 2009, the simulated WEC array had little effect on wave height or direction at select output locations chosen for this modeling study. Waves originating from the south (~180°) resulted in >30% reductions in wave height directly in the lee of the WEC array. These reductions in Hs decreased toward the shoreline to percentage changes of ~5%. Extreme typhoon conditions observed in October 2009 resulted in 40% decreases in Hs in the lee of the WEC array and focused wave reductions along the Santa Cruz shoreline of up to 14%.