Tidal turbine representation in an ocean circulation model: Towards realistic applications

Ocean Engineering, Volume 78,  2014, Pages 95–111.

Thomas Roc1, Deborah Greaves2, Kristen M. Thyng3, Daniel C. Conley2

  1. IT Power ltd, Department of Marine Renewable Energy, St. Brandon’s House, 29 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5QT, UK
  2. Plymouth University, School of Marine Science and Engineering and Marine Institute, Portland Square A410, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL48AA Devon, UK
  3. Texas A&M University, Department of Oceanography, 3146 TAMU, College Station TX 77843-3146, USA

 

Abstract

The present method proposes the use and adaptation of ocean circulation models as an assessment tool framework for tidal current turbine (TCT) array-layout optimization. By adapting both momentum and turbulence transport equations of an existing model, the present TCT representation method is proposed to extend the actuator disc concept to 3-D large scale ocean circulation models. Through the reproduction of experimental flume tests, this method has shown its ability to simulate accurately both momentum and turbulent wake interactions. In addition, through an up-scaling test, this method has shown to be applicable at any scale. Thanks to its short computational time, the present TCT representation method is a very promising basis for the development of a TCT array layout optimization tool. Furthermore, on the basis of the simulations performed for the present publication, a reflection on the quantification of the array layout effects on power assessment and device deployment strategy has been initiated.

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Significance statement

in an effort to accelerate the growth of the tidal energy industry through knowledge sharing and open source initiatives, the authors and IT Power announce the release of ROMS Tidal Array (Beta version). This patch can be installed into the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) software and provides a tool to model tidal turbine arrays based on a tidal turbine parameterisation method, accounting for the momentum capture as well as the sub-grid scale turbulence balance perturbations for each individual device. This modelling tool enables accurate analysis of flow characteristics for impact and resource assessment purposes at reasonable computational cost and therefore enables the use of optimisation strategies to assess different layouts. ROMS Tidal Array can be downloaded from this link (www.itpower.co.uk/marine/ROMSTidalArray/).

 

tidal current turbine

 

 

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