Context

Improving energy production estimation is a key aspect of research in the field of offshore renewable energy. The typical error in tidal current prediction at tidal energy sites is about 10%, which results in a 30% error for the tidal power estimation. To reduce these errors, wave-current interactions need to be correctly taken into account in hydrodynamic numerical models.

Objective

To determine the yield of different turbines at a tidal farm in the Alderney Race, taking into account local hydrodynamics and sea states.

Main achievements

• In-situ and high-frequency radar observations to obtain a better understanding of wave-current interaction processes, and thus fine-tune the configuration of numerical models
• Construction of a numerical platform for the prediction of hydrodynamics in the Alderney Race

Conclusion

HYD2M provides a wealth of data and knowledge on the hydrodynamics of the Alderney Race area, which is conducive to the deployment of tidal turbine systems. The data acquired during the project have been integrated into a model that is now available to support the actors of the hydrodynamic sector in the estimation of the hydrodynamic production in the Alderney Race area.

Resources

Fact sheet (PDF)

Partners and funding

This project was led by Université de Caen Normandie and France Energies Marines.

The total project budget was €1,753K.

This project received funding from France Energies Marines and its members and partners, as well as French State funding managed by the National Research Agency under the Investments for the Future Programme (ANR-10-IEED-0006-07).

Photo credit: France Energies Marines