Characteristics of the velocity profile at tidal-stream energy sites

• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.03.096
• Publication Date: 2017-04-04T20:50:34Z
• Authors: M. Lewis; S.P. Neill; P. Robins; M.R. Hashemi; S. Ward
• Keywords: Tidal power; Marine energy; Mean flow

Realistic oceanographic conditions are essential to consider in the design of resilient tidal-stream energy devices that can make meaningful contributions global emissions targets. Depth-averaged or simplified velocity profiles often used studies device performance, interaction with environment. We improve representation flow at regions by characterising profile. At two potential sites, 1/7th power-law a bed-roughness coefficient 0.4 accurately described observed profile on average (>1 month ADCP deployments). Temporal variability fit was found both and best characterised Generalised Extreme Value distribution; correlation tidal condition, wind speed wave found. The mean simulated using 3D hydrodynamic model (ROMS) Irish Sea (UK) but temporal accuracy fits. For all spatial-mean also be similar (characterised ∼1/7th value). Therefore realistic for tidal-energy research, dynamically coupled wind-wave-tide models, long-term observations, needed fully characterise variability.