Numerical simulation for tidal current turbine siting metrics of Zhoushan Archipelago

Abstract

The first and a crucial step in development of tidal current power is to make a comprehensive assessment at potential sites. In order to obtain the features of tidal current and properly site tidal current energy converter, the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) was employed to simulate tidal current in this region. Favorable comparison with the previous research indicates that this model has essential skills in capturing the key features of the tide and current in Zhoushan Archipelago. In addition to the magnitude of current speed, tidal current direction and mean turbulent kinetic energy also have a significant impact on power production. However, none of the local researchers have investigated these factors. In this study, the main direction of tidal current was calculated. And distribution of turbulent kinetic energy was generated from model outputs. In comparison of these features between four main channels in Zhoushan Archipelago, it was found that the Guishan Channel is the best site for tidal current power generation.