Claudio Iuppa

Bio: Claudio Iuppa is an academic researcher from University of Catania. The author has contributed to research in topics: Coastal flood & Wave flume. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 16 publications receiving 288 citations. Previous affiliations of Claudio Iuppa include University of Messina.

Investigation of suitable sites for wave energy converters around Sicily (Italy)

Abstract: . An analysis of wave energy along the coasts of Sicily (Italy) is presented with the aim of selecting possible sites for the implementation of wave energy converters (WECs). The analysis focuses on the selection of hotspot areas of energy concentration. A third-generation model was adopted to reconstruct the wave data along the coast over a period of 14 years. The reconstruction was performed using the wave and wind data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The analysis of wave energy allowed us to characterise the most energetic zones, which are located on the western side of Sicily and on the Strait of Sicily. Moreover, the estimate of the annual wave power on the entire computational domain identified eight interesting sites. The main features of the sites include relatively high wave energy and proximity to the coast, which makes them possible sites for the implementation of WEC farms.

Potential wave energy production by different wave energy converters around Sicily

Abstract: The performance of several Wave Energy Converter devices is evaluated at three sites located on the west side of Sicily. To select the most energetic site, the average potential wave energy along the coasts of Sicily is evaluated by adopting a third-generation spectral wave propagation model using as boundary conditions the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts operational archive wave and wind data. The most energetic sites are on the western side of Sicily. In the three hotspots identified, the mean energy flux is within the range of 5.33–7.52 kW/m. The analysis shows that all considered devices have a low capacity factor in their original configurations (2.19%–5.12%). The main causes of the poor results in terms of energy production are related to the fact that such devices are optimized for high-energy waves. A resizing of the devices on the basis of the local wave climate showed that a capacity factor that exceeds 30% could be obtained.

Hydraulic Performance of an Innovative Breakwater for Overtopping Wave Energy Conversion

Abstract: The Overtopping BReakwaterfor Energy Conversion (OBREC) is an overtopping wave energy converter, totally embedded in traditional rubble mound breakwaters. The device consists of a reinforced concrete front reservoir designed with the aim of capturing the wave overtopping in order to produce electricity. The energy is extracted through low head turbines, using the difference between the water levels in the reservoir and the sea water level. This paper analyzes the OBREC hydraulic performances based on physical 2D model tests carried out at Aalborg University (DK). The analysis of the results has led to an improvement in the overall knowledge of the device behavior, completing the main observations from the complementary tests campaign carried out in 2012 in the same wave flume. New prediction formula are presented for wave reflection, the overtopping rate inside the front reservoir and at the rear side of the structure. Such methods have been used to design the first OBREC prototype breakwater in operation since January 2016 at Naples Harbor (Italy).

Wave energy device and breakwater integration: A review

Abstract: One of the most abundant energy sources exists in this world is the ocean wave energy. By far, it has shown to be the most clean, renewable, predicted energy and has raised the potential to compete with the current use of non-renewable energy sources. Recent research conducted on wave energy invention has opened a new dimension to slowly reduce the dependency on fossil fuel by introducing new technology on the renewable world but relatively lacking in economical aspect. This review brings the latest status on integration of wave energy device with other marine facilities, which is the breakwater structure that may possibly aid to cost sharing. Most researches done on this field highlighted countries experiencing rough sea condition and focused less on countries with medium wave condition as faced by the Asian continent. The potential for energy extraction and wave dissipation for medium wave condition will be discussed in this review by considering several aspects including reliability, effectiveness and performance. Finally, this review shows that the integration opens up a new dimension to acknowledge the technology harnessing ocean wave, especially for the Asian countries experiencing medium wave condition.

Marine Renewable Energy in the Mediterranean Sea: Status and Perspectives

Abstract: In this work, an extended overview of the marine renewable energy in the Mediterranean Sea is provided as regards current status, potential problems, challenges, and perspectives of development An integrated and holistic approach is necessary for the economic viability and sustainability of marine renewable energy projects; this approach comprises three different frameworks, not always aligned, ie, geotechnical/engineering, socio-economic, and environmental/ecological frameworks In this context, the geomorphological, climatological, socio-economic, and environmental/ecological particularities of the Mediterranean basin are discussed, as they constitute key issues of the spatial context in which marine renewable energy projects are to be implemented General guidelines for the sustainable development of marine renewable energy in the Mediterranean are also provided