Effect of Unsteady Surface Wave on the Performance of Tidal In-Stream Power Systems

Tidal in-stream power generation is based on current speed which is more predictable compared to wind speed, but the performance of tidal in-stream devices may be affected by unsteady surface waves. This work examines the influence of unsteady surface waves on the performance of tidal in-stream energy systems using real data for tidal currents from Minas Passage site, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada. Two concepts are used to test the correlation between waves and tidal currents with two different tools for both types of energy variables. The first concept is the speed of tidal currents. The relationship between the tidal current speed and the maximum wave height is confirmed. The second concept considers the wave direction. For the most cost-effective system, considering the effects of surface waves is needed. Results confirm the distortion effect of unsteady surface wave on the tidal in-stream speed.