Characteristic Analysis of Vertical Tidal Profile Parameters at Tidal Current Energy Site

Abstract

Many mathematical models have been proposed to estimate vertical tidal current profiles. However, as previous studies have shown that tidal current energy sites have different characteristics in their vertical tidal current profiles, it is necessary to estimate the profiles from field-measured data for practical purposes. In this study, we measured layered tidal currents over two months using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) to analyze the characteristics of vertical tidal current profiles at the Jangjuk Strait, a candidate site for tidal current energy. As a result, the power law parameter α and bed roughness β were estimated as 4.51–12.41 and 0.38–0.42, respectively. Additionally, the maximum roughness length representing seabed roughness in the logarithmic profile was estimated as 0.221 m, and the estimated friction velocity was 0.038–0.194 m/s. Furthermore, a high correlation was observed between the depth-averaged tidal current velocity and friction velocities at all sites during flood and ebb tide conditions. A high correlation was also found between the bed roughness, roughness length, and power law exponent at relatively deeper sites. Tidal current energy sites display distinct characteristics compared to other sea areas. Therefore, it is essential to account for field conditions when conducting numerical modeling and design.