What Is the Ocean Wave Energy Flux & Power Density Calculator?
Wave energy flux represents the time-averaged power transmitted through a vertical cross section of unit width in deep water.
How Does the Ocean Wave Energy Flux & Power Density Calculator Work?
Wave power scales quadratically with significant wave height Hs and linearly with energy period Te.
Ocean Wave Energy Flux & Power Density Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
P = \frac{\rho g^2}{64 \pi} H_s^2 T_e, \quad E = \frac{1}{16} \rho g H_s^2
Deep-water wave energy flux per unit crest width and surface wave energy density.
How to Use the Ocean Wave Energy Flux & Power Density Calculator
- Input significant wave height Hs, wave energy period Te, and water density.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
North Atlantic Sea State
Input Values:
significantWaveHeightMeters:2.5
waveEnergyPeriodSeconds:8
seawaterDensityKgPerM3:1025
Worked Steps: Predicts wave resource power P ~24.5 kW/m and energy density ~3.93 kJ/m².
Understanding Your Result
Shows wave resource in kW per meter of coastline or converter crest width.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Doubling wave height quadruples available power resource.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Wave Energy Converter (WEC) site assessment and marine renewable farm sizing.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Applies to linear deep-water irregular sea states (depth h > L / 2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard IEC 62600-100 marine energy resource assessment methodology.