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A model to map levelised cost of energy for wave energy projects


Citation Frost, C., Findlay, D., Macpherson, E., Sayer, P. and Johanning, L. A model to map levelised cost of energy for wave energy projects, Ocean Engineering,149: 438-451, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2017.09.063.
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Author(s) Frost, C., Findlay, D., Macpherson, E., Sayer, P. and Johanning, L.
Project partner(s) University of Edinburgh, Albatern Ltd, University of Strathclyde, University of Exeter
Publisher Ocean Engineering,149: 438-451
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2017.09.063
Abstract An economic model has been developed which allows the spatial dependence of wave energy levelised cost of energy (LCOE) to be calculated and mapped in graphical information system (GIS) software. Calculation is performed across a domain of points which define hindcast wave data; these data are obtained from wave propagation models like Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN). Time series of metocean data are interpolated across a device power matrix, obtaining energy production at every location. Spatial costs are calculated using Dijkstra’s algorithm, to find distances between points from which costs are inferred. These include the export cable and operations, the latter also calculated by statistically estimating weather window waiting time. A case study is presented, considering the Scottish Western Isles and using real data from a device developer. Results indicate that, for the small scale device examined, the lowest LCOE hotspots occur in the Minches. This area is relatively sheltered, showing that performance is device specific and does not always correspond to the areas of highest energy resource. Sensitivity studies are performed, examining the effects of cut-in and cut-out significant wave height on LCOE, and month on installation cost. The results show that the impact of these parameters is highly location-specific.

Highlights
  • A model to map Levelised Cost Of Energy (LCOE) for wave energy is presented.
  • Spatial methodology allows identification of device specific LCOE “hotspots”.
  • Dijkstra&rquo;s algorithm is used for spatial cost estimation.
  • Installation weather windows are estimated using the NMI statistical method.
  • LCOE sensitivity to cut-in and cut-out sea state and installation season presented.
This work was partly funded via IDCORE, the Industrial Doctorate Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy, which trains research engineers whose work in conjunction with sponsoring companies aims to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind, wave and tidal-current technologies
Associated Project(s) ETI-MA2003: Industrial Doctorate Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE)
Associated Dataset(s) No associated datasets
Associated Publication(s)

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Application of an offshore wind farm layout optimization methodology at Middelgrunden wind farm

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Review and application of Rainflow residue processing techniques for accurate fatigue damage estimation

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Testing Marine Renewable Energy Devices in an Advanced Multi-Directional Combined Wave-Current Environment

Testing the robustness of optimal access vessel fleet selection for operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms

The Industrial Doctorate Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy(IDCORE) - Case Studies

The SPAIR method: Isolating incident and reflected directional wave spectra in multidirectional wave basins

The effects of wind-induced inclination on the dynamics ofsemi-submersible floating wind turbines in the time domain

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UK offshore wind cost optimisation: top head mass (Presentation to All Energy, 10th May 2017)