Simplified site-screening method for micro tidal current turbines applied in Mozambique
Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift, 2012

A variety of tidal current turbines (TCT) are emerging, the majority focussing on large-scale extraction of renewable energy at global tidal hot-spots. Concurrently, some turbines are small and may be suitable also for micro-scale applications (micro-TCT) in remote areas, such as decentralized electrification in countries where fuel-independent energy systems with high power predictability are particularly important. In shallow waters the force of tidal currents varies considerably over short distances and very site-specific measurements are important for assessment of localization, but are also expensive. For micro-TCT to be of interest site-screening and evaluation must be inexpensive, and low-cost methods are thus required. This study proposes a simplified tidal model that is calibrated to site-specific conditions by short-term observations using lightweight equipment. By measurements comprising down to 8% of the monthly tidal period the potential power output can be estimated, with uncertainty intervals up to +-20%, for currents applicable for micro-TCT. This site-screening method was tested at five sites in Mozambique where near-shore tidal currents were measured with lightweight current meters. At three of the sites, currents were estimated to exceed 1 m s-1 and power output was calculated based on technical assumptions for a micro-TCT device. Results are discussed from the perspective of micro-TCT development and decentralized remote area electrification.

Tidal energy

Decentralized power production

Ocean energy

Energy resources

Site characterization

Off-grid electrification

Författare

Linus Hammar

Chalmers, Energi och miljö, Environmental Systems Analysis

Jimmy Ehnberg

Pöyry SwedPower

Alberto Mavume

Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM)

Francisco Francisco

Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM)

Sverker Molander

Chalmers, Energi och miljö, Environmental Systems Analysis

Renewable Energy

0960-1481 (ISSN) 18790682 (eISSN)

Vol. 44 44 414-422

Drivkrafter

Hållbar utveckling

Ämneskategorier

Annan elektroteknik och elektronik

DOI

10.1016/j.renene.2012.02.010

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Senast uppdaterat

2024-12-02