Ocean wave power potential assessment along the South Coast of Central Java Island Indonesia

Abstract

Wave power potential assessment in the Indian Ocean along the South Coast of Central Java Island in Indonesia was conducted using 15-year hindcasting procedure through MIKE 21 Spectral Wave Software. A set of wind data with 0.125° spatial resolution and bathymetry were used to construct the model. The model was validated with experimental data from a observation buoy provided by the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) in Indonesia. The buoy was located at -8.1364° East Latitude and 110.547° South Longitude. The model validation showed a minor average error, which is approximately 0.042 %. The mean wave power intensity from the 15-year assessment had average value of 8.384 kW/m and maximum value of 24.652 kW/m. Based on monthly analysis, the optimum mean wave power intensity appeared during the dry season period, which is in the months of July to September, with average values of around 15 kW/m. Furthermore, a spatial analysis was conducted by finding optimum locations for wave energy converter (WEC) placement, with concern to wave power intensity, distance from the land, and power demand. Two major areas are selected, Yogyakarta and Penyu Bay conastlines. The most optimum candidate for WEC is located at 8.079190° East Latitude and 110.390709° South Longitude with mean wave power intensity and mean significant wave height reached up to 20 kW/m and 2.04 m, respectively.