Wave Energy Exploitation System Integrated in the Coastal Structure of a Mediterranean Port

Stefania Naty, Antonino Viviano and Enrico Foti
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Stefania Naty: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
Antonino Viviano: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
Enrico Foti: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy

Sustainability, 2016, vol. 8, issue 12, 1-19

Abstract: A feasibility study for installing Wave Energy Converters (WECs) in a Mediterranean port is presented here. The final aim is to evaluate the possibility of building a green touristic infrastructure in a site having ordinary wave energy. In particular, the site of interest is Giardini Naxos, which is located in the northern Ionian coast of the island of Sicily (Italy). A preliminary estimation of the available energy has been carried out. The chosen type of WEC device is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) system, which is found here to allow for good integration with the vertical breakwater needed for the extension of the existing port. Its feasibility is evaluated from the structural and economic point of view. Towards this aim, the system is tested in the laboratory for estimating the reflection coefficients and the pressures on the structure, which allow us to carry out the optimization of the OWC breakwater. Furthermore, the air turbine noise is estimated and an attenuation chamber is designed to reduce such noise to within acceptable levels. The economic feasibility study allows for an evaluation of the recuperation period of the investment, which is slightly less than the service life of the WEC device.

Keywords: ports; Mediterranean Sea; wave energy conversion; wave reflection; wave loadings; physical model; feasibility; payback period (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (21)

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