Journal of Marine Science and Engineering Article A Numerical Assessment of Artificial Reef Pass Wave-Induced Currents as a Renewable Energy Source Damien Sous 1,2 1 Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Université de Toulon, 13288 La Garde, France;
[email protected]; Tel.: +33-(0)4-9114-2109 2 Univ Pau & Pays Adour/E2S UPPA, Chaire HPC-Waves, Laboratoire des Sciences de l’Ingénieur Appliquées à la Méchanique et au Génie Electrique - Fédération IPRA, EA4581, 64600 Anglet, France Received: 21 July 2019; Accepted: 19 August 2019; Published: 22 August 2019 Abstract: The present study aims to estimate the potential of artificial reef pass as a renewable source of energy. The overall idea is to mimic the functioning of natural reef–lagoon systems in which the cross-reef pressure gradient induced by wave breaking is able to drive an outward flow through the pass. The objective is to estimate the feasibility of a positive energy breakwater, combining the usual wave-sheltering function of immersed breakwater together with the production of renewable energy by turbines. A series of numerical simulations is performed using a depth-averaged model to understand the effects of each geometrical reef parameter on the reef–lagoon hydrodynamics. A synthetic wave and tide climate is then imposed to estimate the potential power production. An annual production between 50 and 70 MWh is estimated. Keywords: artificial reef; positive energy breakwater; numerical simulation; turbines 1. Introduction Low-lying nearshore areas host a significant and increasing population. Under the combined actions of sea level rise [1], modified storm patterns [2], and increasing urbanization, these regions will face growing risks of submersion, inundation, and erosion [3–6].