Prediction of energy performance by adopting overtopping breakwater for energy conversion (OBREC) concept in Malaysia waters

Abstract

Background an Objective: This study intends contributing to the development of a hybrid coastal and wave energy converter concept called overtopping breakwater for energy conversion (OBREC) in Malaysia waters. The concept has been tested and formulated in Aalborg University since 2012 until 2014 for energetic wave climate (North Atlantic coastline). Methodology: The existing prediction method seem are not suitable to predict the energy performance on specific location. Thus, the numerical simulation has been used for analyzing overtopping wave by validating to the previous experimental method. Then, the suitability of geometrical parameters, performance and economical of OBREC applied in Malaysia were examined. Results: Validation result showed that numerical simulation using CFD-flow 3D is highly capable to handle coastal issues especially for evaluating overtopping wave parameters. It was observed that optimum crest freeboard for adapting to Malaysia waters is 1.2 m which correlated in averaging 0.798 kW mG1 output power. It is expected the capital recovery of OBREC applied in Malaysia waters will be recovered within 3 years. Conclusion: This consequently shows that adopting OBREC into Malaysia coastline has significant promises for Malaysia to compete in both energy and coastal protection field.