Experimental Validation of the Capture Chamber Model in Mutriku MOWC Wave Power Plant

Wave energy holds the potential to fulfill 15% of the EU's energy demand by 2050, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by 136 million metric tons per megawatt-hour, as outlined in the EU Energy Road Map. Similarly, the Spanish Renewable Energies Plan underscores the significant marine energy potential in Spain, particularly emphasizing wave energy. Within this framework, Oscillating Water Column (OWC) converters currently stand as among the most promising wave energy conversion technologies, offering the capability to harness ocean energy from various on-shore and floating structures. This paper introduces an analytical model of the wave capture chamber parameterized for a specific on-shore OWC wave power plant. The model is specifically adapted and parameterized for the Mutriku Marine Offshore Wave Power Plant located on the coast of the Spanish Basque Country. Subsequently, validation is conducted using both real wave entry data measured on-site and experimental output power data generated in the plant.