Turbulence modeling to aid tidal energy resource characterization in the Western Passage, Maine, USA

• Published in: Renewable energy 2023-12, Vol.219, p.118694, Article 118694
• Main Authors: Deb, Mithun, Yang, Zhaoqing, Wang, Taiping, Kilcher, Levi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: hydrodynamic modeling; Marine renewable energy; Numerical modeling; Resource characterization; TIDAL AND WAVE POWER; tidal energy; Tidal energy converters; Tidal stream energy; tidal turbulence; Turbulence
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2023.04.100

Numerical models combined with field measurements are regularly used to characterize tidal energy resources at potential energetic sites. However, most existing works only focus on the tidal hydrodynamic characteristics, and turbulence parameters are often not reported because of the lack of high-quality turbulence measurements and the limitations of numerical models in resolving turbulent eddies. In this study, we used FVCOM - a hydrostatic primitive equation (HPE) model - to characterize the tidal energy resource in the Western Passage, Maine, USA, by taking care of the essential macro-scale turbulence properties. We observed an excellent model performance using the Mellor-Yamada Level 2.5 Turbulence Model; estimating the spatial and vertical distribution of the turbulent kinetic energy and intensity added a new perspective to the site ranking for tidal energy converter (TEC) deployments. In addition, we also examined the role of channel geometry and bathymetry, such as headlands and underwater sills, in enhancing turbulent eddies around potential TEC siting locations. Ultimately, the detailed analysis of the turbulent flow characteristics has changed the site-ranking results and demonstrated that the regional-scale HPE models could be used for the relative understanding of more or less turbulent sites for a refined resource assessment. •A 3D hydrostatic primitive equation model is applied for tidal turbulence modeling and resource characterization in a highly energetic tidal channel.•Excellent model performance is observed using the Mellor-Yamada Level 2.5 turbulence model, adding a new perspective to the Tidal energy converter (TEC) site ranking.•The study also illustrated the role of a channel confluence zone and an underwater sill in enhancing turbulent eddies near potential TEC siting locations.