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Power variability of tidal-stream energy and implications for electricity supply

Author

Listed:
  • Lewis, Matt
  • McNaughton, James
  • Márquez-Dominguez, Concha
  • Todeschini, Grazia
  • Togneri, Michael
  • Masters, Ian
  • Allmark, Matthew
  • Stallard, Tim
  • Neill, Simon
  • Goward-Brown, Alice
  • Robins, Peter

Abstract

Temporal variability in renewable energy presents a major challenge for electrical grid systems. Tides are considered predictable due to their regular periodicity; however, the persistence and quality of tidal-stream generated electricity is unknown. This paper is the first study that attempts to address this knowledge gap through direct measurements of rotor-shaft power and shore-side voltage from a 1 MW, rated at grid-connection, tidal turbine (Orkney Islands, UK). Tidal asymmetry in turbulence parameters, flow speed and power variability were observed. Variability in the power at 0.5 Hz, associated with the 10-min running mean, was low (standard deviation 10–12% of rated power), with lower variability associated with higher flow speed and reduced turbulence intensity. Variability of shore-side measured voltage was well within acceptable levels (∼0.3% at 0.5 Hz). Variability in turbine power had <1% difference in energy yield calculation, even with a skewed power variability distribution. Finally, using a “t-location” distribution of observed fine-scale power variability, in combination with an idealised power curve, a synthetic power variability model reliably downscaled 30 min tidal velocity simulations to power at 0.5 Hz (R2 = 85% and ∼14% error). Therefore, the predictability and quality of tidal-stream energy was high and may be undervalued in a future, high-penetration renewable energy, electricity grid.

Suggested Citation

  • Lewis, Matt & McNaughton, James & Márquez-Dominguez, Concha & Todeschini, Grazia & Togneri, Michael & Masters, Ian & Allmark, Matthew & Stallard, Tim & Neill, Simon & Goward-Brown, Alice & Robins, Pet, 2019. "Power variability of tidal-stream energy and implications for electricity supply," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 1061-1074.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:183:y:2019:i:c:p:1061-1074
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.06.181
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    References listed on IDEAS

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