Wave energy resource characterisation of the Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site

The Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), a grid connected test area for the deployment of full scale Wave Energy Converters (WECs), is being developed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland near Belmullet in Co. Mayo, Ireland. In this paper measured data provided by two wave buoys, positioned at a deepwater location (100 m depth) and an offshore location (50 m depth), are analysed in order to characterise the wave resource at the site. In particular, a distinction is made between which sea states occur with the most regularity and which wave conditions are the most significant for the capture of power. The spatial variation in the occurrence of important summary statistics between the deepwater and offshore sites is examined and the difference in incident wave power calculated. Finally, this paper compares conditions at the Belmullet site with those measured at the quarter scale test site in Galway Bay. An assessment on the degree of scalability between resource parameters relevant to WEC power production experienced at the two locations, as recommended by development protocols, is made and methods for comparing benign and exposed sites proposed.