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Characteristics of the velocity profile at tidal-stream energy sites

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  • Lewis, M.
  • Neill, S.P.
  • Robins, P.
  • Hashemi, M.R.
  • Ward, S.

Abstract

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

Suggested Citation

  • Lewis, M. & Neill, S.P. & Robins, P. & Hashemi, M.R. & Ward, S., 2017. "Characteristics of the velocity profile at tidal-stream energy sites," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 114(PA), pages 258-272.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:114:y:2017:i:pa:p:258-272
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.03.096
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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