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Efficient unstructured mesh generation for marine renewable energy applications

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  • Avdis, Alexandros
  • Candy, Adam S.
  • Hill, Jon
  • Kramer, Stephan C.
  • Piggott, Matthew D.

Abstract

Renewable energy is the cornerstone of preventing dangerous climate change whilst maintaining a robust energy supply. Tidal energy will arguably play a critical role in the renewable energy portfolio as it is both predictable and reliable, and can be put in place across the globe. However, installation may impact the local and regional ecology via changes in tidal dynamics, sediment transport pathways or bathymetric changes. In order to mitigate these effects, tidal energy devices need to be modelled, to predict hydrodynamic changes. Robust mesh generation is a fundamental component required for developing simulations with high accuracy. However, mesh generation for coastal domains can be an elaborate procedure. Here, we describe an approach combining mesh generators with Geographical Information Systems. We demonstrate robustness and efficiency by constructing a mesh with which to examine the potential environmental impact of a tidal turbine farm installation in the Orkney Islands. The mesh is then used with two well-validated ocean models, to compare their flow predictions with and without a turbine array. The results demonstrate that it is possible to create an easy-to-use tool to generate high-quality meshes for combined coastal engineering, here tidal turbines, and coastal ocean simulations.

Suggested Citation

  • Avdis, Alexandros & Candy, Adam S. & Hill, Jon & Kramer, Stephan C. & Piggott, Matthew D., 2018. "Efficient unstructured mesh generation for marine renewable energy applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(PA), pages 842-856.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:116:y:2018:i:pa:p:842-856
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.09.058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Angeloudis, Athanasios & Kramer, Stephan C. & Hawkins, Noah & Piggott, Matthew D., 2020. "On the potential of linked-basin tidal power plants: An operational and coastal modelling assessment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 876-888.
    2. du Feu, R.J. & Funke, S.W. & Kramer, S.C. & Hill, J. & Piggott, M.D., 2019. "The trade-off between tidal-turbine array yield and environmental impact: A habitat suitability modelling approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 390-403.
    3. Alday, Matias & Lavidas, George, 2024. "Assessing the Tidal Stream Resource for energy extraction in The Netherlands," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    4. Harcourt, Freddie & Angeloudis, Athanasios & Piggott, Matthew D., 2019. "Utilising the flexible generation potential of tidal range power plants to optimise economic value," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(C), pages 873-884.

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