Modelling the interaction of tidal range power systems for renewable energy conversion
File(s)
Author(s)
Mackie, Lucas
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Tidal range power plants (TPPs) have the potential to provide a reliable and long-term source of renewable power. The inherent predictability and operation flexibility of TPPs presents opportunities regarding the phasing of energy supply. However, TPPs can notably impact the surrounding coastal system. These benefits and challenges could be magnified in scenarios where a national energy system incorporates multiple schemes. This thesis investigates interactions between TPPs that are sited within the same geographical region, with regards to their combined energy supply phasing and impacts.
Depth-averaged coastal models are applied in characterising the ambient tidal resource. Techniques for numerically parameterising the presence, operation and power output of TPPs are established. Particular focus is granted to methods for optimising operation characteristics. A model of Ramsey Sound is employed in investigating common numerical model configuration choices. An extended model domain, to include the entire west coast of Great Britain, is then configured.
Benefits and challenges associated with how multiple TPPs interact are explored:
- A system of TPPs sited across the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea regions is implemented in the model, with their designs based on existing proposals. Operation control schedules targeting continuous power generation are optimised. The notable tidal phase difference between the two regions permits cumulative continuous supply for approximately half of the year during periods around spring tides. Financial incentives associated with reliable, baseload supply are proposed.
- Combinations of seven consistently designed TPPs in the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea are investigated regarding their hydro-environmental and energy resource impacts. Scheme design consistency provides a basis to focus solely on impacts associated with development sites, by minimising differences in impacts that occur from TPP design variations. Results indicate that the more constrained geometry of the Bristol Channel contributes to higher individual and cumulative impacts than TPP developments in the Irish Sea.
Depth-averaged coastal models are applied in characterising the ambient tidal resource. Techniques for numerically parameterising the presence, operation and power output of TPPs are established. Particular focus is granted to methods for optimising operation characteristics. A model of Ramsey Sound is employed in investigating common numerical model configuration choices. An extended model domain, to include the entire west coast of Great Britain, is then configured.
Benefits and challenges associated with how multiple TPPs interact are explored:
- A system of TPPs sited across the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea regions is implemented in the model, with their designs based on existing proposals. Operation control schedules targeting continuous power generation are optimised. The notable tidal phase difference between the two regions permits cumulative continuous supply for approximately half of the year during periods around spring tides. Financial incentives associated with reliable, baseload supply are proposed.
- Combinations of seven consistently designed TPPs in the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea are investigated regarding their hydro-environmental and energy resource impacts. Scheme design consistency provides a basis to focus solely on impacts associated with development sites, by minimising differences in impacts that occur from TPP design variations. Results indicate that the more constrained geometry of the Bristol Channel contributes to higher individual and cumulative impacts than TPP developments in the Irish Sea.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2022-03
Date Awarded
2022-09
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Piggott, Matthew
Angeloudis, Athanasios
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Grant Number
EP/N509486/1
EP/R513052/1
Publisher Department
Earth Science & Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)