Guest Editorial: Advances in Wave Energy Conversion Systems

Abstract

Ocean waves are a largely untapped energy resource, and the global wave energy potential is estimated at about 32,000 TWh/year. Due to its great potential to provide renewable and sustainable electricity without carbon dioxide emission, wave energy conversion technology has attracted extensive attention from multi-disciplinary communities. Compared with wind and solar power, power from ocean waves is characterised by high power density and high spatio-temporal availability. However, the levelised cost of energy (LCoE) from ocean waves is higher than that from wind and solar radiation. The LCoE of wave energy can be reduced by technical innovations, especially in novel concepts, key components, real-time control systems and so forth. In addition, wave energy conversion systems can be integrated into offshore structures to provide cost-effective power and form multifunction platforms.

This Special Issue aims to update recent advances related to wave energy conversion systems all over the world. There are, in total, 32 papers accepted for publication after careful peer review and revisions. The authors are based in 13 different countries/regions, including United Kingdom, Ireland, China, Australia, America, Brazil and so forth, covering five continents, that is, Europe, Asia, Australia, North America and South America. These selected papers are broadly categorised into six topics: (A) wave analysis and prediction, (B) modelling of wave energy converters (WECs) and wave farms, (C) control system design and implementation, (D) model validation and case studies, (E) novel concepts and integrated systems and (F) WEC optimisation and grid connection.