Wave height climatology assessment from multi-mission satellite altimeter for renewable energy

Abstract

The fact that we will lose the source of fossil fuel in the future is undeniable. Hence, it is crucial to find the replacement of this resource. In present day, wave energy is found to be one of the sources of renewable energy. This chapter is proposing to assess the wave height climatology over the Malaysian seas in order to support renewable energy. The key step in the assessment of wave height climatology over Malaysian seas, South China Sea, Malacca Straits, Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea, is by acquiring an accurate and reliable wave height data. The Radar Altimeter Database System (RADS) was used to extract the 24 years of significant wave height data from January 1993 to December 2016. Altimetry-derived wave height data were validated with ground truth observation from wave buoy and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). The wave height magnitude and pattern were then analysed particularly to see its characteristic during monsoon season. The monthly average of altimetry significant wave height from January 1993 to December 2016 was mapped in this study. The findings clearly show that the Northeast monsoon has the most significant effect of wave height variation over Malaysian seas, while the Southwest monsoon has minimal effect. The reliability of satellite altimetry also proved based on the RMSE and correlation results, which are 0.2515 m and 0.9396, respectively. This study offers useful wave height information especially related to renewable energy in the Malaysian seas for future studies.