Improving the power output estimation for a tidal power plant: a case study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse the importance of considering the variation in the discharge coefficient (Cd) of a sluice passage and the tidal current speed (i.e. the flow speed approaching the passage) in improving the estimation of power output for a tidal power plant. The simulation results, using a commercial computational fluid dynamics software package, Flow 3D, have shown that the Cd value of a sluice passage varies with the upstream (i.e. on the sea side of the impounded area) water level. In addition, the results of a case study carried out in the Taedong bay (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), using a zero-dimensional model, highlight the importance of considering variations in the tidal current speed as well as Cd when estimating the power output for a tidal power plant. In this study, a detailed scheme is proposed to consider the approach speed at each stage of filling, holding, generating and holding for the mode of ebb generation. It is hoped that the results of this study will help scientists, engineers and decision makers to accurately evaluate the tidal power output of tidal barrages and lagoons in many regions of the world.