Integration of Wave Energy Harnessing Technologies to the Needs of Coastal Societies in North Carolina

Wave Energy is a predictable and stable form of renewable energies. In this work, the wave energy potential along the North Carolina shore is calculated using six-year (2012–2017) National Buoy Database (NDBC). The wave data from two buoys (US 192 and US 430) were collected and the average significant wave height (H_S) and corresponding time period (T) were determined. The Reference Model 3 (RM3) defined by Department of Energy (DOE) was used to explore the potential power generation from wave energy. Simulations were setup on WEC-Sim, an open-source code based on MATLAB developed by the DOE. A six-degree of freedom solver was used to obtain the results for heave and pitch forces for the float. Dynamic responses were calculated by solving equations of motion based on Cummins’ equation about the body center of gravity. Waves were modeled as irregular ocean waves using North Carolina shore wave data. The preliminary results obtained the heave and surge forces on RM3 and the body reaction forces. The results from this work can be used for determination of RM3 performance for NC shore.