The Potential of Conversion of Sea Wave Energy to Electric Energy: The Performance of Central Sulawesi West Sea using Oscillating Water Column Technology

Abstract

With seas area of 70% larger than land, Indonesia encourages the potential for marine energy as an alternative to renewable energy. One of the technologies developed to utilize ocean energy is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC). The OWC method can convert ocean wave energy by using an oscillation column directing wave energy through the OWC door opening to generate electricity. This study aims to determine the magnitude of the waves utilized in West Central Sulawesi's seas region include Alindau beach, Marana beach, and Kaliburu beach. Based on wave forecasting using wind data for five years, the maximum wave height for five years is 0.20 m. Estimated power from the calculation results obtained a rate significant with an efficiency level of 11.97%. Alindau is a potential location to develop wave energy.