Simulation Model to Assess Electrical Power Generation from Tidal Basin in Coastal Area of Malaysia

Abstract

This article studies the numerical simulation of power generation in four different tidal stations in the East Coast region of Malaysia. The tidal stations are Tanjung Sedili, Tanjung Gelang, Tioman and Cendering. The simulation model is based on power generation using tidal barrage. Ebb, flood and double-mode generations were studied. The tidal basin area was estimated by approximation to generate sufficient electricity for local community consumption. Thus, a different basin area was estimated for every location as each location has different population size. Single-flow generation was assumed for ebb and floor generations with 40% barrage efficiency while bi-directional generation was assumed for double-mode generation with 30% barrage efficiency. Double-mode generation has the highest power generation among the three different methods. Tanjung Gelang has the highest average tidal range difference. However, Pulau Tioman is more suitable to have the tidal barrage as the local community population is smaller, thus, requiring a smaller basin area to generate sufficient electricity to meet the demand of local community. On average, tidal barrage with a basin area of 0.3km2 in Pulau Tioman will be able to generate 13.74 GWh annually.