Tidal resource and interactions between multiple channels in the Goto Islands, Japan

Waldman, S.; Yamaguchi, S.; O'Hara Murray, R.; Woolf, D.

Abstract

The Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, contain three parallel channels that are suitable for tidal energy development and are the planned location for a tidal energy test centre. Energy extraction is added to a 3D numerical hydrodynamic model of the region, using a sub-grid momentum sink approach, to predict the effects of tidal development. The available resource with first-generation turbines is estimated at 50-107MW peak output. Spreading turbine thrust across the whole cross-section to prevent bypass flow results in a 64% increase in peak power in one channel, highlighting the importance of 3D over 2D modelling. The energy available for extraction in each strait appears to be independent of the level of extraction in other straits. This contrasts with theoretical and numerical studies of other multi-channel systems. The weak interactions found in this study can be traced to the hydraulic effects of energy extraction not extending to neighbouring channels due to their geometry.

Citation

Waldman, S., Yamaguchi, S., O'Hara Murray, R., & Woolf, D. (2017). Tidal resource and interactions between multiple channels in the Goto Islands, Japan. International Journal of Marine Energy, 19, 332-344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijome.2017.09.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 19, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Sep 30, 2017
• Publication Date: Sep 30, 2017
• Deposit Date: Dec 29, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 2, 2020
• Journal: International Journal of Marine Energy
• Print ISSN: 2214-1669
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Pages: 332-344
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijome.2017.09.002
• Keywords: FVCOM; Numerical modelling; Goto Islands; Tidal energy; Split channels
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3318287
• Contract Date: Dec 29, 2019