Abstract
It is believed that Panama's foremost renewable
energy asset is the abundance of tidal energy resources
along the Panamanian coasts. However, there is a lack of
field measurements and scientific research on the variables
necessary to characterize tidal energy resources in
Panama. Only one previous study was conducted with a
timeframe limit of one week for the years 2020 and 2022
using a Lagrangian buoy or drifter in Saboga Island [1].
This research aims to develop an understanding of
energy potential that can be obtained from the tidal
currents near Saboga Island using a metoceanic buoy for
four months. Therefore, this study makes a major
contribution to research on the assessment of stream tidal
energy by estimating the amount of power that can be
harvested from a single 4-meter-diameter horizontal tidal
turbine.
The recent development of tidal stream technologies
worldwide and the trends in design consolidation to
floating horizontal stream tidal turbines are critical factors
in selecting this technology where the calculations are
based. The estimations are based on the geometry and
properties of the commercial stream tidal turbine SIT-250
from SCHOTTEL GmbH and the actuator disk theory [2],
[3].
The tides in the Gulf of Panama are semidiurnal, with
ranges that vary between 4 to 6 meters. The tidal coefficient
ranges from 50 to 93, with spring and neap currents
around 0.8 m/s. The studied area has a depth ranging from
10 meters to 25 meters. The above information is essential
for site characterization [4], [5]. The characterization of
tidal flow, wave, and wind conditions near Saboga Island
using a metoceanic buoy provides data on the maritime
conditions in the Gulf of Panama, which are highly
valuable for assessing locations with wave energy
potential.
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