![]() ![]() Wave energy converters that are constructed nearshore, in depths smaller than 25 m are usually fixed to the sea bottom ensuring the required stability during operation. An essential disadvantage for this type of converters is the grid connection. For this purpose, floating devices are constructed, connected with wire ropes that are anchored in the sea bed. As previously mentioned, the advantage of this type of systems is the larger wave energy exploitation potential because of the energetic content of offshore waves. Offshore wave energy converter devices can be characterized as systems placed on water depths >25 m. Offshore wave conditions provide a larger energy content, yet the energetic amount of the nearshore wave conditions is more exploitable ( Zhongxian et al., 2013). A wide variety of wave energy technologies exists, resulting from the different ways that energy can be absorbed and also depending on the water depth and on the location (shoreline, nearshore, offshore) ( Falcao, 2010). Research in the ocean wave energy exploitation has received attention over the past decade and development on this field is evolving, with noteworthy studies presented and experimental Wave Energy Converter systems (WEC's) designed and improved in order to provide a reliable and sustainable alternative to the energy equilibrium. The utilization of Renewable Energy Sources (R.E.S) is essential in order to meet contemporary energy needs. ![]() The excessive use of conventional energy resources has resulted in significant reduction of their availability, posing a constant and increasing effect on climate. The results of the application are very promising and strongly support the statement that the proposed methodology provides a new concept in the design of OBREC systems. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the methodology, the port of Heraklion in the island of Crete in Greece, is used as a case study. The proposed methodology is based on the combined application of wave propagation equations that simulate the compound wave field near coastal structures where the waves are subjected to the combined effects of shoaling, refraction, diffraction, reflection-total and partial-and breaking, with an optimization algorithm, aiming at the identification of the optimal dimensions of an OBREC reservoir. More specifically the paper emphasizes in the optimal design of Overtopping Breakwater for Energy Conversion systems, known as OBREC, using a novel and very effective, meta-heuristic optimization technique, the Harmony Search Algorithm. Following this direction, the paper deals with the exploitation of one of the most significant and extensively available energy sources, that of nearshore waves. The European Union, in its Framework Strategy for A Resilient Energy Union, as described in the “Clean Energy for all Europeans” package of measures, marked its energy priorities for transition to a low-carbon, secure and competitive economy. Division of Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.Vasiliki-Eleni Kralli, Nicolaos Theodossiou * and Theophanis Karambas ![]()
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