Abstract
The main objective of this project was to use a combination of computer models, field measurements and local knowledge to specify potential turbine deployment locations in Petit Passage, NS and subsequently quantify power generation over a single ebb and flood tidal cycle.
To reach the project objective, Mavi and Acadia compared their computer models (CFD and ocean models, respectively) of Petit Passage against ADCP data collected by Dr. Alex Hay’s group from Dalhousie University and Greg Trowse of Fundy Tidal. This ADCP data was collected in 2012 as part of the OERA funded Southwest Nova Scotia tidal energy resource assessment.
The level of agreement between the two computer models and ADCP field measurements was generally good during the portion of the tidal cycle that saw the highest speed flows. A number of future investigations and enhancements to the models were proposed to improve the agreement over the entire tidal cycle.
The team subsequently identified three sets of test case deployment locations for two 10m diameter turbines in Petit Passage. Three different turbine configurations were run to evaluate the effects of turbine location and turbine spacing on power production. The first configuration placed the two turbines on a high-energy mid-channel streamline and showed a significant power drop for the downstream turbine due to wake effects. The second and third turbine configurations successfully avoided wake interactions.
This project provides a baseline study with insights useful for array design in Petit Passage and similar sites. This project also highlights areas where more detailed work is required to better inform the project developers and technology providers in order to minimize lifecycle costs and decrease project risk.