Wave power measurements in the Celtic Sea using HF radar

Abstract: It is well established that HF radar systems located on the coast can measure surface currents from close to the coast to more than 100km offshore. They can also be used to simultaneously measure the ocean wave directional spectrum. Thus current and wave power and other parameters relevant to the development of marine renewables can be measured. Wave measurements in the Celtic Sea using a Pisces HF radar system in 2003-2005 are presented. Good agreement with buoy data is demonstrated. The data are used to show that the wave power resource is variable in season, location and in direction with higher powers observed in Autumn but more directional variability in Winter.