Abstract
A wave or tidal resource assessment should provide a quantified estimate of the available energy and an assessment of the operating and survival characteristics of a specific site. This process may be performed through a combination of in-situ measurements and numerical modelling. Key elements described in this protocol include: measurement and raw data analysis; key descriptive parameters; numerical modelling guidance; assessment of extreme conditions; and the identification of constraints on development. The protocol does not consider the interaction of the device with the environment or potential interference due to multiple devices located at one site.
The main drivers for the resource assessment process to be considered are: assessment of the available energy resource; information for engineering design such as wave and current loading on structures; information for planning and implementing marine operations such as installation, operation and maintenance.
The scope and detail of a resource assessment is dependent on the stage of the project. Early stage resource assessment is conducted to establish first order resource characteristics. This resource characterisation process may be conducted at geographical scale to identify specific regions suitable for a more detailed site assessment. The analysis conducted under this project development phase should establish detailed site characteristics for assessing the exploitable potential of the site along with information for site specific engineering design. Finally the operation phase of the project will involve the assessment of operating conditions for benchmarking purposes and possibly short term resource forecasting.
Key parameters for both wave and tidal resource assessment are outlined. These may be provided by a combination of numerical modelling and measurement. Models and measurement devices shall be validated and proven.