Repository logo
 
Loading...
Profile Picture

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Surrogate-based optimization of tidal turbine arrays: a case study for the Faro-Olhão inlet
    Publication . G-Gorbeña, Eduardo; Pacheco, André; Plomaritis, Theocharis; Ferreira, Oscar; Sequeira, Claudia; Moura, Theo
    This paper presents a study for estimating the size of a tidal turbine array for the Faro-Olhão Inlet (Potugal) using a surrogate optimization approach. The method compromises problem formulation, hydro-morphodynamic modelling, surrogate construction and validation, and constraint optimization. A total of 26 surrogates were built using linear RBFs as a function of two design variables: number of rows in the array and Tidal Energy Converters (TECs) per row. Surrogates describe array performance and environmental effects associated with hydrodynamic and morphological aspects of the multi inlet lagoon. After validation, surrogate models were used to formulate a constraint optimization model. Results evidence that the largest array size that satisfies performance and environmental constraints is made of 3 rows and 10 TECs per row.
  • Assessing the effects of Tidal Energy Converter array size on hydrodynamics of Ria Formosa (Portugal)
    Publication . G-Gorbeña, Eduardo; Pacheco, André; Plomaritis, Theocharis A.; Sequeira, Claudia
    This paper investigates the effects of Tidal Energy Converter (TEC) array size at a tidal channel on flood/ebb discharges at multi-inlet coastal lagoon by applying numerical modelling. The paper presents a case study for the Faro-Olhão inlet in the Ria Formosa (Portugal), a potential site for tidal in-stream energy extraction. Arrays of up to 11 rows with 5 TECs each were studied to assess impacts on inlets discharges changes. For the particular cases assessed the results show that tidal energy extraction will have a greater impact on Ancão and Armona inlets discharges together with the Faro-Olhão inlet. Future work is directed to include impacts on sediment dynamics and optimise TEC array size as a function of multiple design variables subject to environmental constraints.
  • Deployment characterization of a floatable tidal energy converter on a tidal channel, Ria Formosa, Portugal
    Publication . Pacheco, André; G-Gorbeña, Eduardo; Plomaritis, Haris; Garel, Erwan; Gonçalves, J. M. S.; Bentes, L.; Monteiro, P.; Afonso, Carlos; Oliveira, Frederico; Soares, C.; Zabel, F.; Sequeira, Claudia
    This paper presents the results of a pilot experiment with an existing tidal energy converter (TEC), Evopod 1 kW floatable prototype, in a real test case scenario (Faro Channel, Ria Formosa, Portugal). A baseline marine geophysical, hydrodynamic and ecological study based on the experience collected on the test site is presented. The collected data was used to validate a hydro-morphodynamic model, allowing the selection of the installation area based on both operational and environmental constraints. Operational results related to the description of power generation capacity, energy capture area and proportion of energy flux are presented and discussed, including the failures occurring during the experimental setup. The data is now available to the scientific community and to TEC industry developers, enhancing the operational knowledge of TEC technology concerning efficiency, environmental effects, and interactions (i.e. device/environment). The results can be used by developers on the licensing process, on overcoming the commercial deployment barriers, on offering extra assurance and confidence to investors, who traditionally have seen environmental concerns as a barrier, and on providing the foundations whereupon similar deployment areas can be considered around the world for marine tidal energy extraction.