Measuring and Observing the Ocean Renewable Energy Resource

Ocean energy developers need detailed and accurate information about the wave or tidal energy resource, and its spatial and temporal variability. This chapter discusses the complementary roles of field data acquisition and numerical simulation in determining resource characteristics. A general introduction to numerical modelling principles is presented, which applies to both wave and tidal energy. There is a discussion of tidal measurement (with acoustic devices) and common hydrodynamic modelling software, with case studies. A range of wave data acquisition methods is presented, followed by a guide to the various inputs, physical parameters and practical considerations required for an accurate wave model.