Initial evaluation of tidal stream energy resources at Portland Bill,UK

Portland Bill (Dorset, UK) is a promising site for tidal stream energy exploitation; it combines high tidal stream velocities around the headland with a location closer to population centres than other proposed sites. To better estimate available energy resources at the site, a two-dimensional tidally driven hydrodynamic numerical model of Portland Bill was developed using the TÉLÉMAC system, with validation using tidal elevation measurements and tidal stream diamonds from Admiralty charts. The results of the model were used to produce a time series of the tidal stream velocity over the simulation period and may be used in future work to optimize the location of turbine arrays at the site.     

山东褚岛北部海域波浪能资源分析

山东省褚岛北部海域是中国建设中的波浪能和潮流能试验场场址所在,该文利用MIKE21 SW波浪模型结合实际观测对该海域的波浪场进行模拟计算,分析该海域的波浪特征和波浪能资源分布,评估试验场海域波浪能发电装置可进行试验测试的有效时间。研究发现:褚岛北部海域的波浪场空间分布较规律,波高等值线基本平行,向外海逐渐增强,年平均有效波高0.6～0.8 m,年平均波浪能密度2.0～3.0 kW/m,且季节差异显著。冬季波浪能资源丰富,波浪能密度可达6.0 kW/m,夏季则较弱。试验场海域波浪能可利用的有效时间全年约3494 h,主要集中在冬半年。     

海洋潮流能资源的数值估算——以胶州湾口为例

在回顾国际上现有的潮流能资源估算方案基础上,提出利用三维潮流数值模式估算潮流能的思路,并在胶州湾进行了应用。基于普林斯顿海洋模式,建立了胶州湾潮汐潮流三维数值预报模型,对研究海区的潮汐和潮流做出了较为准确的模拟。数值模拟得到的胶州湾口最大可能潮流速度为2m/s,具有一定的潮流能开发潜力;湾口水道上多年平均潮流能蕴藏量为16MW,大潮期间的瞬时值和大潮周日平均值可分别达135和49MW.潮流资料时间序列的长度对潮流能储量的计算结果有较大影响。由于潮流现象具有强烈的时变性和多种周期,估算潮流能的平均储量应积累一年以上的资料为宜。研究表明,潮流数值模式能够提供高时空分辨率的三维潮流数据,有效弥补潮流实测资料稀缺的不足,因而可作为潮流能资源评价的有力工具。     

Effect of waves on the tidal energy resource at a planned tidal stream array

Wave–current interaction (WCI) processes can potentially alter tidal currents, and consequently affect the tidal stream resource at wave exposed sites. In this research, a high resolution coupled wave-tide model of a proposed tidal stream array has been developed. We investigated the effect of WCI processes on the tidal resource of the site for typical dominant wave scenarios of the region. We have implemented a simplified method to include the effect of waves on bottom friction. The results show that as a consequence of the combined effects of the wave radiation stresses and enhanced bottom friction, the tidal energy resource can be reduced by up to 20% and 15%, for extreme and mean winter wave scenarios, respectively. Whilst this study assessed the impact for a site relatively exposed to waves, the magnitude of this effect is variable depending on the wave climate of a region, and is expected to be different, particularly, in sites which are more exposed to waves. Such effects can be investigated in detail in future studies using a similar procedure to that presented here. It was also shown that the wind generated currents due to wind shear stress can alter the distribution of this effect.     

Improving the assessment of wave energy resources by means of coupled wave-ocean numerical modeling

Sea waves energy represents a renewable and sustainable energy resource, that nevertheless needs to be further investigated to make it more cost-effective and economically appealing. A key step in the process of Wave Energy Converters (WEC) deployment is the energy resource assessment at a sea site either measured or obtained through numerical model analysis. In these kind of studies, some approximations are often introduced, especially in the early stages of the process, viz. waves are assumed propagating in deep waters without underneath ocean currents. These aspects are discussed and evaluated in the Adriatic Sea and its northern part (Gulf of Venice) using locally observed and modeled wave data. In particular, to account for a “state of the art” treatment of the Wave–Current Interaction (WCI) we have implemented the Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) model and the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), fully coupled within the Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Wave Sediment Transport (COAWST) system. COAWST has been applied to a computational grid covering the whole Adriatic Sea and off-line nested to a high-resolution grid in the Gulf of Venice. A 15-year long wave data set collected at the oceanographic tower “Acqua Alta”, located approximately 15 km off the Venice coast, has also been analyzed with the dual purpose of providing a reference to the model estimates and to locally assess the wave energy resource. By using COAWST, we have quantified for the first time to our best knowledge the importance of the WCI effect on wave power estimation. This can vary up to 30% neglecting the current effect. Results also suggest the Gulf of Venice as a suitable testing site for WECs, since it is characterized by periods of calm (optimal for safe installation and maintenance) alternating with severe storms, whose wave energy potentials are comparable to those ordinarily encountered in the energy production sites.     

The impact of tidal stream turbines on large-scale sediment dynamics

Tidal stream turbines are exploited in regions of high tidal currents. Such energy extraction will alter the hydrodynamics of a tidal region, analogous to increasing the bed friction in the region of extraction. In addition, this study demonstrates that energy extracted with respect to tidal asymmetries due to interactions between quarter (M₄) and semi-diurnal (M₂) currents will have important implications for large-scale sediment dynamics. Model simulations show that energy extracted from regions of strong tidal asymmetry will have a much more pronounced effect on sediment dynamics than energy extracted from regions of tidal symmetry. The results show that energy extracted from regions of strong tidal asymmetry led to a 20% increase in the magnitude of bed level change averaged over the length of a large estuarine system, compared with energy extracted from regions of tidal symmetry. However, regardless of the location of a tidal stream farm within a tidal system, energy extraction reduces the overall magnitude of bed level change in comparison with non-extraction cases. This has practical application to many areas surrounding the UK, including the Irish Sea and the Bristol Channel, that exhibit strong tidal currents suitable for exploitation of the tidal stream resource, but where large variations in tidal asymmetry occur.     

南海海域波浪能资源模拟评估

为了大范围评估波浪能资源,文章通过WAVEWATCH-Ⅲ模式结合高精度的CCMP风场资料对南海海域四季的波浪能资源进行定量计算和定性分析,分析结果表明:南海海域的波浪能分布表现出明显的空间和季节分布特性,大值区主要集中在中北部海域、东沙群岛和台湾岛邻近海域,而低值区主要分布在北部湾、曾母暗沙以及泰国湾周边海域;在冬季,南海海域的波浪能流密度及其稳定性方面均比其他季节有明显优势,且冬季的平均波浪能有效储量的总体水平表现为全年最高;南海北部、台湾岛东南部海域以及东沙群岛附近海域的波浪能资源丰富,是资源优势区域,适宜波浪能开发。     

Tidal stream energy resource assessment in the Qiantang River Estuary,China

A tidal stream energy resource assessment can be achieved through direct measurements of tidal elevations or flow velocities, theoretical formulas, and numerical models. This paper first described the development of renewable energy in China. Then, the tidal stream energy resource in the Qiantang River Estuary was assessed. The present work established a 2D numerical model for calculating the power density in the estuary and validated it with in situ water level, tidal current, and suspended sediment concentration measurements. Three possible sites found near the Hangzhou Bay Bridge were selected for detailed resource assessment. The results indicated that if only 50 turbines are deployed to each site, the tidal stream energy output by all turbines would be 7.5?GWh/year. Finally, building a tidal stream power generation device into an existing bridge structure was proposed at the Qiantang River Estuary.     

Status and potentials of tidal in-stream energy resources in the southern coasts of Iran: A case study

Interest in renewable energy in Iran has increased continually over the past decade. Iran has an excellent hydro power energy resource and the use of this resource will assist in the development of a sustainable energy future. Iran – with its many narrow channels and significant tidal range – might be expected to have considerable potential for tidal current power generation. The Khowr-e Musa Bay is a large coastal embayment on the south-western coast of Iran in which the peak tidal currents exceed 2 m/s. It is therefore a promising site for tidal stream power. The assessment employed a statistical method, for estimating tidal current energy resource at the selected site, during one lunar month (since 6 November 1996 to 7 December 1996). With the introduction of constraints and limitations, the technical, practical, accessible and viable tidal current energy resources were obtained.     

22-Year wave energy hindcast for the China East Adjacent Seas

In order to investigate the wave energy resource, the third-generation wave model SWAN is utilised to simulate wave parameters of the China East Adjacent Seas (CEAS) including Bohai, Yellow and East China Sea for the 22 years period ranging from 1990.1 to 2011.12. The wind parameters used to simulate waves are obtained by the Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF). The results are validated by observed wave heights of 7 stations. The spatial distributions of wave energy density in the CEAS are analysed under the 22-year largest envelop, mean annual and season averaged wave conditions. Along China east coastal, the largest nearshore wave energy flux occurs along the nearshore zones between Zhoushan Island and south bound of CEAS area. The wave energy resources at Liaodong Peninsula Headland and East Zhoushan Island where economy develops rapidly are also studied in detail. For the two sites, the monthly averaged wave energy features of every year for the 22 years are investigated. The wave energy resources of the two potential sites are characterised in terms of wave state parameters. The largest monthly averaged density for the two sites occurs at Zhoushan Island adjacent sea and amounts to 29 kW/m.     

Numerical model evaluation of tidal stream energy resources in the Ría de Muros (NW Spain)

The Ría de Muros is a large coastal embayment on the north-western coast of Spain in which the peak tidal currents exceed 2 m/s. It is therefore a promising site for tidal stream power. The key point when assessing this resource is the accurate estimation of the tidal currents. In this work a finite difference numerical model is used for this purpose. The model solves the vertically integrated Navier–Stokes hydrodynamics and transport equations. It is validated with in situ velocity measurements performed by means of an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). Thereafter the tidal flow velocities and the corresponding power densities are computed. The largest values are found in a section of the inner ria, in which two points are selected for a detailed assessment of the resource. The model is then run to compute the tidal stream and the corresponding power density at these points during a 14-day period, so as to cover the spring–neap cycle. The power density curve thus obtained is numerically integrated to compute the annual energy output that can be obtained by a tidal stream power plant at each location.     

南海岛礁海域波浪能资源分析及总量评估

基于波浪能的能通量原理,建立代表区段长度的概念,提出针对于海岛海域的波浪能资源蕴藏量评估方法及具体公式。通过第3代波浪谱模型SWAN对南海海域近10年的波浪场进行数值模拟,并利用实测波浪资料进行验证。在此基础上重点刻画该海域波高、周期、能流密度等波浪能资源时空分布特征,利用新方法对南海岛礁海域波浪能资源蕴藏量进行估算。结果表明,以离岸50 km等值线为波浪能量输入线时,南海群岛波浪能理论蕴藏量约为18300 MW。其中,西沙群岛海域约为2600 MW,东沙群岛海域为2120 MW,中沙群岛海域约为6720 MW,南沙群岛海域约为6860 MW。     

潮流能研究现状2013

21世纪以来,面对常规能源日益枯竭、环境恶化的局面,各国将目光转向可再生能源。海洋潮流能因为优越的可再生性、环保性及巨大的贮藏量而成为重点研究对象。至2013年,海洋潮流能利用在技术上取得了长足的进步,而且发展十分迅速,新概念、新技术和新装置层出不穷。本文从工作原理、技术特征、实验及应用情况等方面对其中具有代表性的潮流能发电装置的模型及实型作了综述和评价,通过对比分析能量转换装置和载体形式的技术特点,指出了当前潮流能开发中存在的主要问题及未来的发展趋势。     

Impact of tidal-stream arrays in relation to the natural variability of sedimentary processes

Tidal Energy Converter (TEC) arrays are expected to reduce tidal current speeds locally, thus impacting sediment processes, even when positioned above bedrock, as well as having potential impacts to nearby offshore sand banks. Furthermore, the tidal dissipation at potential TEC sites can produce high suspended sediment concentrations (turbidity maxima) which are important for biological productivity. Yet few impact assessments of potential TEC sites have looked closely at sediment dynamics beyond local scouring issues. It is therefore important to understand to what extent exploitation of the tidal energy resource will affect sedimentary processes, and the scale of this impact is here assessed in relation to natural variability. At one such site in the Irish Sea that is highly attractive for the deployment of TEC arrays, we collect measurements of sediment type and bathymetry, apply a high resolution unstructured morphodynamic model, and a spectral wave model in order to quantify natural variability due to tidal and wave conditions. We then simulate the impacts of tidal-stream energy extraction using the morphodynamic model. Our results suggest that the sedimentary impacts of ‘first generation’ TEC arrays (i.e. less than 50 MW), at this site, are within the bounds of natural variability and are, therefore, not considered detrimental to the local environment. Yet we highlight potential environmental issues and demonstrate how impact assessments at other sites could be investigated.     

Feasibility study of offshore wind turbine installation in Iran compared with the world

Renewable energies have potential for supplying of relatively clean and mostly local energy. Wind energy generation is expected to increase in the near future and has experienced dramatic growth over the past decade in many countries. Offshore winds are generally stronger and more constant than onshore winds in many areas. The economic feasibility for utilization of offshore wind energy depends on the favorable wind conditions in the area. The present paper analyses offshore wind speed in global scale and also studies feasibility of introducing this technology for harnessing wind in Persian Gulf, Caspian Sea, Urmia Lake and Gulf of Oman. Wind speed data were collected from different sources. The ocean surface winds at a 10 m height from satellite passes as processed by NOAA/NESDIS, from near real-time data collected by NASA/JPL's Sea Winds Scatterometer aboard the QuikSCAT. Development of renewable energy is one of priority research goals in Iran. There are many installed wind turbines in suitable regions like Manjil and Binalood, but there has not been any offshore wind installation yet in Iran. It is suggested that policy makers to invest and pay more attentions toward harnessing renewable energy sources like offshore wind in Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in southern parts of Iran.     

Tidal current power for Indonesia? An initial resource estimation for the Alas Strait

Indonesia – with its many narrow straits and significant tidal range – might be expected to have considerable potential for tidal current power generation. A particularly promising site is the Alas Strait, with shallow depth, high tidal current velocity and location far from major shipping lanes. In this study, a hydrodynamic numerical model of the Alas Strait was run and validated against some tidal current velocity measurements. The results of the model were then used to estimate the practically exploitable energy resources in the strait, using a development of a method used in previous resource estimations. In this method, the incident velocity on each row of an array was extracted from the model and then attenuated based on the direction of the flow and the number of rows deep into the array. In this way, the effects of practical array shape can be simulated without the need to include computationally expensive parameterization of turbines in the model. Two scenarios were considered, with and without a maximum depth limitation of 40 m. The first scenario gave an estimate of the practically exploitable annual energy yield from the Alas Strait of 330 GW h with the second scenario nearly double at 640 GW h.     

Development and validation of a computational model for design analysis of a novel marine turbine

The vast tidal and wave energy resources represent a potential to use marine energy systems to supply part of the global energy demand. However, there are many advances required to develop economic and reliable marine energy systems, which some of these advances can be achieved by using the existing knowledge and experience from offshore and wind energy industry. This research presents a novel marine energy system that integrates the concept of a vertical and horizontal axis wind turbines by combining a Darrieus and Wells type rotor. However, many other different concepts have been proposed, but models that account for hydrodynamic, structure and control are needed to determine their technical and economical feasibility. With the use of the double‐multiple streamtube theory, a hydrodynamic model is developed to predict the performance and the loads on the turbine blades coupled with a finite element model to compute strains and stresses. To validate the model, we used strain data from field measurement of the demo prototype. The validated model was used to compute extreme stresses and calculate the fatigue life. The model gives reliable estimates of stresses and fatigue life. With this result, the design analysis of the turbine blades can be optimized for any site condition and expected life time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wave energy potential along the northern coasts of the Gulf of Oman, Iran

This study aims to investigate wave power along the northern coasts of the Gulf of Oman. To simulate wave parameters the third generation spectral SWAN model was utilized, and the results were validated with buoy and ADCP data. First, annual energy was calculated in the study region with the hindcast data set covering 23 years (1985-2007). The areas with the highest wave resource were determined and the area proximity to the port of Chabahar is suggested as the best site for the installation of a wave farm. Second, the average monthly wave energy in this area was investigated. The most energetic waves are provided by the southeast Indian Ocean monsoon from June to August. Finally, the wave energy resource was characterized in terms of sea state parameters. It was found that the bulk of annual wave energy occurs for significant wave heights between 1 and 3 m and energy periods between 4 and 8 s in the direction of SSE.     

基于一、二维耦合模型的某湿地公园水网规划与水力优化应用

湿地水网规划和设计需要考虑防洪排涝、生物栖息地构建及水资源调度等多个因素的协调,单一维度的数值模型难以解决河网、湖区及工程调度等多种模拟对象的尺度协调问题。针对某感潮河网区域生态湿地公园的规划设计,利用MIKE Flood软件,构建一、二维耦合水动力模型,就河网规模、堰顶高程控制、生物栖息地构建等目标开展计算分析,通过方案比选确定相关工程规模,并通过区域微地形调整对鱼类和禽类栖息地水动力条件进行优化,使其满足生境构建要求。该结果不仅为相关设计单位提供了工作思路,所采用的建模方法和参数选取也可为类似项目参考。     

Assessments of wave energy in the Bohai Sea,China

Wave fields in the Bohai Sea are continuously simulated by the third-generation wave model SWAN in order to determine the wave energy resources from 1985 to 2010. The wind parameters used to simulate waves are obtained by the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS). Comparisons of significant wave heights between simulations and observations show good agreement. The spatial distributions of mean monthly and annual averaged significant wave height and wave power flux are presented. Wave energy roses and temporal variations of average wave power density at five typical points in the Bohai Sea are calculated. Furthermore, the correlations between significant wave height and wave energy period are studied in scatter and energy diagrams.