Optimisation and control of tidal range power plants operation: Is there scope for further improvement?

Abstract

Tidal barrage power plants utilise the tidal range variation to generate clean electricity. Although there are several operating tidal barrage schemes around the globe, there is still potential to expand the installed capacity. Given their inherent storage and the high predictability of the tides, tidal barrages can be operated with more flexibility than many other renewables. This means that the control objective of a barrage operation can vary from energy maximisation to constant power output, or demand-matching objectives. The operation of a barrage also influences its impact on the environment and economic activity of the site where it is located, which is a major cause for the slow deployment of such power plants. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of the different strategies considered to date to optimise the operation of tidal barrages, with a focus on an in-depth analysis of the optimisation schemes employed, the barrage models utilised, and opportunities for further improvement.