Abstract
The extraction of tidal energy from head differences represents a predictable and flexible option for generating electricity. Here, we investigate the generation potential of prospective tidal power plants in the UK. Originally conceived as separate projects, operating these schemes as a cooperative system could prove beneficial. Combined with the inherent operational flexibility of tidal range-based schemes, a notable tidal phase difference in selected sites allows for the system to spread power generation over a larger proportion of the day. Using depth-averaged modelling and gradient-based optimisation techniques, we explore how a flexible cumulative operation schedule could be applied to provide a degree of continuous supply if desirable. While fully continuous operation is not achieved, a number of different optimisation schedules deliver cumulative continuous supply for over half of the year. The average minimum cumulative power output on these days is consistently over 500 MW out of a total installed capacity of 6195.3 MW. Furthermore, by introducing financial incentives associated with reliable, baseload supply, we provide an economic assessment of the tidal power plant system. The daily minimum cumulative power output determines income in the modelled idealised baseload market, while excess supply is traded in an hourly variable wholesale energy market. Results indicate that subsidies would be required in order to make a pursuit of continuous generation financially advantageous over energy maximisation strategies.
Highlights
Tidal power plants defer the ebb and/or flood of the tide by an impoundment
This study explores the potential to operate three existing tidal range power plant proposals in the Irish Sea as a single, flexible system geared towards providing continuous generation
Operational and economic performance indicators are compared between traditional energy maximisation (EM) control schedules and operation regimes optimised to generate continuously (CG)
Summary
Tidal power plants defer the ebb and/or flood of the tide by an impoundment. This creates an artificial basin and a head difference from which potential energy can be converted to electricity via a system of turbines [1]. Where tidal range and stream energy technologies stand out over other intermittent renewable energy sources (e.g., wind energy) is the reliability and predictability of their resource [1]. An advantageous aspect specific to tidal range schemes in the renewable energy sector is the potential for operational flexibility [6]. Combined with the predictable and reliable nature of the tidal resource, this flexible control can unlock economic opportunities [7,8]
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