Influence of storm surge on tidal range energy

Lewis, M.J., Angeloudis, A., Robins, P.E., Evans, Paul ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5637-3189 and Neill, S.P. 2017. Influence of storm surge on tidal range energy. Energy 122 , pp. 25-36. 10.1016/j.energy.2017.01.068

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Abstract

The regular and predictable nature of the tide makes the generation of electricity with a tidal lagoon or barrage an attractive form of renewable energy, yet storm surges affect the total water-level. Here, we present the first assessment of the potential impact of storm surges on tidal-range power. Water-level data (2000–2012) at nine UK tide gauges, where tidal-range energy is suitable for development (e.g. Bristol Channel), was used to predict power. Storm surge affected annual resource estimates −5% to +3%, due to inter-annual variability, which is lower than other sources of uncertainty (e.g. lagoon design); therefore, annual resource estimation from astronomical tides alone appears sufficient. However, instantaneous power output was often significantly affected (Normalised Root Mean Squared Error: 3%–8%, Scatter Index: 15%–41%) and so a storm surge prediction system may be required for any future electricity generation scenario that includes large amounts of tidal-range generation. The storm surge influence to tidal-range power varied with the electricity generation strategy considered (flooding tide only, ebb-only or dual; both flood and ebb), but with some spatial and temporal variability. The flood-only strategy was most affected by storm surge, mostly likely because tide-surge interaction increases the chance of higher water-levels on the flooding tide.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Engineering
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0360-5442
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	25 July 2017
Date of Acceptance:	12 January 2017
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 23:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/102938

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