Evaluating current power availability for energy conversion along the Southern Brazilian Shelf

Abstract

The continuous growth of the worlds population increases the demand and competition for energy, leading to an immense struggle to obtain non-renewable energy sources. As a result, new technologies are being developed, and global policies concerning the generation of renewable and clean energy have strengthened. Several methods of power conversion have been developed over the years, such as the water current turbine-based power converter, which demonstrates a high power generation capacity. The coastal current system of the Southern Brazilian Shelf exhibits synoptic and seasonal variability, which hinders the unidirectional conversion of power. Helical turbines, which are capable of generating power multidirectionally, are recommended. Using a 2-year simulation from the TELEMAC3D model coupled with the energy conversion module, two regions within the study area with high potential for exploiting energy from marine currents were identified. The most viable region for the installation of current converters reaches an average power production of approximately 10kW/day and an integrated value of 3.5MW/year. Seasonal analysis revealed that the most energetic periods in both regions occurred during the spring. The highest levels of power generation were found at intervals of 16 days and exhibited high correlations with the passage of meteorological fronts within the study region.