Ocean wave energy scales with the square of wave height, so even modest swell increases deliver a large jump in available power.
P ~ 0.5 * rho * g * H^2 * period
power_cell = wave_energy * turbine_efficiency
- Turbine array size — how many grid cells (potential turbine sites) make up the array footprint.
- Array density — fraction of cells actually fitted with a wave/tidal turbine.
- Wave height — significant wave height driving the surface swell field.
- Tidal range — difference between high and low tide, driving a slower secondary oscillation.
Wave and tidal arrays like Scotland's MeyGen deliver predictable output tied to lunar tidal cycles, unlike the more variable wind and solar.