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    Application of the actuator disc theory of Delft3D-FLOW to model farfield hydrodynamic impacts of tidal turbines


    Ramos, Victor and Carballo, R. and Ringwood, John (2019) Application of the actuator disc theory of Delft3D-FLOW to model farfield hydrodynamic impacts of tidal turbines. Renewable Energy, 139. pp. 1320-1335. ISSN 0960-1481

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    Abstract

    Accurate knowledge of tidal turbine impacts on the far-field hydrodynamic conditions, which extend from 3 to 20 diameters downstream the turbine, is essential for the estimation of tidal resource, farm layout design and environmental impact. For this purpose, tidal turbine operation is modelled within coastal models, as enhanced bottom friction, or momentum sinks. In Delft3D-FLOW, a state-of-the-art coastal model, turbine operation is usually represented via momentum losses, using the Porous Plate tool. However, the Porous Plate tool presents significant limitations to accurately represent energy extraction and geometry of tidal turbines. Recently, a new tool (Actuator Disc) based on the Momentum Actuator Disc Theory (MADT) was developed in Delft3D-FLOW, overcoming the aforementioned limitations and showing excellent results against laboratory data. The aim of this work is to compare the behaviour of the Actuator Disc and Porous Plate on the far-field hydrodynamics. Overall, significant differences were found, with the Porous Plate significantly underestimating the impact on instantaneous and residual flow velocities and turbulence conditions, when the turbine operates at its rated power. Consequently, MADT appears as the best alternative to investigate the far-field hydrodynamic impacts of tidal turbine operation and previous research based on the Porous Plate tool should be revisited.

    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Tidal stream energy; HATT; Momentum sink approach; Porous plate; Orkney region;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Research Institutes > Centre for Ocean Energy Research
    Item ID: 14269
    Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2019.02.094 0
    Depositing User: Professor John Ringwood
    Date Deposited: 29 Mar 2021 14:08
    Journal or Publication Title: Renewable Energy
    Publisher: Elsevier
    Refereed: Yes
    URI:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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