Theorical and descriptive analysis of the wave energy in the Barcelona World Race

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is the presentation of a theoretical study of the wave energy in some zones of the Barcelona World Race (BWR) considering different theories, how much of this energy is transferred to the boat and if it is possible to use that energy, as propulsion energy. Nowadays, the absorption of wave energy (offshore, inshore or on board) is low utilized and has important costs. That makes this subject become more interesting. The first section of this paper is a study of the movement of the waves with different descriptions and of the energy potential depending on characteristic’s value. Secondly, a categorization of the wave’s characteristics is done of a part of BWR with the objective to be able to do an energy atlas of different areas. After that, a model of the vertical motion (simplified motion) is done in order to express the energy which is in the kinetic phase difference between the wave action and the boat reaction. Finally, all factors in the synchronism motion between wave and boat have been evaluated (in surf navigation) in order to analyze the results of equilibrium and the result force with different power propulsion.