Wave-energy
In total this effect leads to the
waves changing their direction. Eventually the decrease in water depth and hence
wave velocity causes a wave crest parallel to the coastline. Refraction results in
concentration effects due to deflection of the wave propagation. If the depth con-
tours around the shore are known, locations, where waves will be concentrated,
can be identified. Hence refraction can help wave energy developments because
re- searchers can build their WECs at the most cost-effective sites. Usually the
most preferable sites due to concentration from this physical effect are the
headlands of a coastline, what can be seen by in the next figure [Muel2015].
10
Concentration effects due to refraction
Due to concentration effects caused by refraction a shore based wave power plant
should be located at headlands.
Potential of wave energy
The World Energy Council (WEC, 1999) has estimated a conservative number of
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