Abstract
This document describes the results of the system level conceptual design, performance and cost study of both a feasibility demonstration-scale an a commercial-scale wave power plant installed off the coast of San Francisco, California. For purposes of this point design study, the selected demonstration deployment site is within the boundaries of an exclusion zone at a water depth of 15m, the commercial plant deployment is expected to be located in water depths of 15m-40m. These three assumptions should be reevaluated during the detailed design phase of the project. This conceptual design study was carried out using the methodology and standards established in the Design Methodology Report, the Power Production Methodology Report and the Cost Estimate and Economics Assessment Methodology Report.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Water Pollution Control Division operates the Oceanside Wastewater Treatment Plant at 3400 Great Highway, San Francisco. The plant discharges treated wastewater effluent through an outfall pipe extending approximately four miles into the ocean on shoal-free sandy bottom. Because the outfall pipe is already owned and operated by the City and Country of San Francisco, this scenario offers an ability to land the power transmission cable at a low cost. The location although surrounded by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary exists in an exclusion zone, which extends approximately six miles offshore and is not part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The SFPUC Water Quality Bureau biology staff conducts regular environmental monitoring in the area including sediment and community analyses. Siting the offshore wave demonstration plant within the confines of the exclusion zone offers potential for ease of permitting.