Abstract
Tidal energy projects require numerical modelling for the assessment of tidal site conditions and turbine/array performance. The TIGER project has offered a unique opportunity to concurrently implement a range of available models. This report provides an overview and comparison of the different numerical models developed by academic partners in the TIGER project. The models cover a variety of spatial and temporal scales. The largest scale models provide long-term climatic studies covering the entire English Channel region, at relatively low resolution, whilst the highest-resolution models provide detailed information about short-term and small-scale turbulent flow and its interaction with tidal turbines. The models are used for different purposes. At one end of the scale, the models have been used to inform the large-scale techno-economic assessment of tidal energy and its impact on the energy mix in the UK and France. At the other end of the scale, the numerical models provide information which feeds into detailed engineering design of tidal turbines at particular sites, and assessment of the energy yield. The models showcase the range of computational tools available to aid the development of the tidal energy industry. This report will be useful for investors, technology developers and project stakeholders to identify suitable models to support and develop ongoing and future tidal stream projects.