ABOUT THE INFLUENCE OF DENSITY-INDUCED FLOW ON TIDAL STREAM POWER GENERATION IN THE SUNDA STRAIT, INDONESIA

Abstract

In this paper, the results of a numerical model study evaluating the influence of density-induced flow on tidal stream power generation in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia are summarized. Tidal stream currents with speeds reaching about 2-3m/s and total extractable power of around 300MW turn the Sunda Strait into a promising location for renewable electricity production from the ocean. Furthermore, seasonally varying share of the density currents on the energy flux through the Sunda Strait emphasize the importance of a more comprehensive modelling approach for the selection and evaluation of the deployment sites of tidal turbines. A high-resolution, three-dimensional circulation model providing sufficient spatiotemporal coverage has been developed to simulate tidal currents in barotropic and baroclinic modes. Simulation outputs have been used to reveal the influence of density-induced flow on tidal stream power generation during both northwest and southeast monsoonal seasons. Up to 100% increase in current speeds has been simulated in the strait due to the density gradients, which leads to an enormous increase of the kinetic power. Additionally, energy hotspot shows significant changes due to the variations in density. Energetic section of the strait becomes significantly larger with an overall increase of the kinetic power densities. The findings may help us to understand the importance of including the ocean water density to resolve flow fields with better precision, which can lead to more accurate assessment and more efficient use of the resources of marine renewable energy.