Using an improved FVCOM numerical model, combined with the momentum-sinking scheme based on the structural characteristics of specific turbines, this study analyzed the temporal and spatial distributions of tidal ener...Using an improved FVCOM numerical model, combined with the momentum-sinking scheme based on the structural characteristics of specific turbines, this study analyzed the temporal and spatial distributions of tidal energy resources before and after the deployment of tidal turbines near Pingtan Island, China. Considering factors such as the distribution of tidal stream energy, bathymetry, topography, and the design parameters of the turbines, an appropriate location for a demonstration tidal turbine was selected and the corresponding energy resource was evaluated. Several sites with strong tidal streams were considered: south of the northern cape, east of the southem cape, and the southern end of Haitan Bay. The former was thought most suitable for the deployment of a tidal energy turbine, with projected power generation for approximately 470 h per month. The average power of this demonstration was about 2.4 kW, and the annual electricity output was approximately 17.47 MWh. The intervention of the turbine device had little influence on the near-field tidal stream or water level. The tidal stream was reduced slightly in the area south of the northern cape, although the effect weakened further from the turbine. Conversely, the velocity increased slightly on both sides of the demonstration site. The difference in current speed with and without the turbine was greater at slack tide than still tide. The influence of turbine operation on water level was minor. The method adopted in this study can be considered a reference for the selection of sites for the demonstration of tidal stream energy. However, the method is unable describe the dynamic characteristics of the turbulent flow surrounding the deployed turbines, which has an important role regarding the optimal designs of the turbine blade and pile foundations. Therefore, we will continue to work to improve this model in future research.展开更多
Tidal stream energy is a type of marine renewable energy which is close to commercial-scale production. Tidal stream turbine arrays are considered as the one of the most promising exploitation methods. However, compar...Tidal stream energy is a type of marine renewable energy which is close to commercial-scale production. Tidal stream turbine arrays are considered as the one of the most promising exploitation methods. However, compared to the relatively mature technology of single turbine design and installation, the current knowledge on the hydrodynamic processes of tidal stream turbine arrays is still limited. Coastal models with simplified turbine representations based on the shallow water equation are among the most favorable methods for studying the tidal stream energy extraction processes in realistic sites. This paper presents a review of the progress and challenges in assessing the tidal stream energy.展开更多
基金Supported by the Chinese Marine Renewable Energy Special Fund(Nos.GHME2012ZC05,GHME2013GC03,GHME2013ZC01,GHME2014ZC01)
文摘Using an improved FVCOM numerical model, combined with the momentum-sinking scheme based on the structural characteristics of specific turbines, this study analyzed the temporal and spatial distributions of tidal energy resources before and after the deployment of tidal turbines near Pingtan Island, China. Considering factors such as the distribution of tidal stream energy, bathymetry, topography, and the design parameters of the turbines, an appropriate location for a demonstration tidal turbine was selected and the corresponding energy resource was evaluated. Several sites with strong tidal streams were considered: south of the northern cape, east of the southem cape, and the southern end of Haitan Bay. The former was thought most suitable for the deployment of a tidal energy turbine, with projected power generation for approximately 470 h per month. The average power of this demonstration was about 2.4 kW, and the annual electricity output was approximately 17.47 MWh. The intervention of the turbine device had little influence on the near-field tidal stream or water level. The tidal stream was reduced slightly in the area south of the northern cape, although the effect weakened further from the turbine. Conversely, the velocity increased slightly on both sides of the demonstration site. The difference in current speed with and without the turbine was greater at slack tide than still tide. The influence of turbine operation on water level was minor. The method adopted in this study can be considered a reference for the selection of sites for the demonstration of tidal stream energy. However, the method is unable describe the dynamic characteristics of the turbulent flow surrounding the deployed turbines, which has an important role regarding the optimal designs of the turbine blade and pile foundations. Therefore, we will continue to work to improve this model in future research.
基金Project supported by the National High-Technology Research and Development Program of China(863 Program,Grant No.2012AA052602)
文摘Tidal stream energy is a type of marine renewable energy which is close to commercial-scale production. Tidal stream turbine arrays are considered as the one of the most promising exploitation methods. However, compared to the relatively mature technology of single turbine design and installation, the current knowledge on the hydrodynamic processes of tidal stream turbine arrays is still limited. Coastal models with simplified turbine representations based on the shallow water equation are among the most favorable methods for studying the tidal stream energy extraction processes in realistic sites. This paper presents a review of the progress and challenges in assessing the tidal stream energy.