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Evaluating the effect of meso/submesoscale current–wave interactions on wave energy resource characterization at northeast U.S. coast

Author

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  • Huang, Yicheng
  • Yang, Zhaoqing
  • Liu, Jinliang
  • Gaudet, Brian
  • Krishnamurthy, Raghavendra

Abstract

Wave energy is a promising renewable resource, but accurate assessment is difficult in regions with strong currents due to wave–current interactions (WCI). This study develops a two-way coupled WCI model within the Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Wave Sediment Transport (COAWST) framework at 2 km resolution to improve wave energy characterization along the northeastern U.S. coast, including the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Maine. The model integrates WaveWatchIII (WWIII) and the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) to enhance wave hindcasting by accounting for Doppler-shift, refraction, and nonlinear energy exchanges. Validation against buoy and satellite observations confirms model accuracy. Analysis shows that Doppler-shifting can alter wave power density by over 20%, while strong current gradients and shear distort wave crests via focusing/defocusing and stretching/squeezing, modifying wave direction and frequency. These processes together can induce wave power fluctuations of up to 40% on synoptic scales. Applying a 2.5 MW Ocean Energy Converter power matrix shows that WCI may change harvested energy by up to 100% in shallow-waters and 60% in deep-waters. These results underscore the importance of incorporating nonlinear WCI for reliable wave climate predictions and resource assessments in energetic coastal regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Yicheng & Yang, Zhaoqing & Liu, Jinliang & Gaudet, Brian & Krishnamurthy, Raghavendra, 2026. "Evaluating the effect of meso/submesoscale current–wave interactions on wave energy resource characterization at northeast U.S. coast," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 267(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:267:y:2026:i:c:s0960148126005768
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2026.125751
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