Field measurement and numerical modeling of tidal current in larantuka strait for renewable energy utilization

Abstract

The amount of electricity consumed is growing rapidly, along with population growth and technological development. Meanwhile, Indonesia's energy supply is predominantly supported by non-renewable sources, so an approach to renewable energy is urgently needed. This study uses a numerical model to determine the potency of tidal current power at Larantuka Strait, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The output of the study is the electricity generated with a conversion device at several locations. The numerical model is generated using MIKE 3. In order to validate the numerical model, field measurements are conducted to obtain the detailed bathymetry, tidal surface elevation, and tidal current velocity data. The numerical model shows good agreement with the field measurement data; the average errors of tidal surface elevation and tidal current velocity are 4.04 and 9.79%, respectively. Furthermore, the tidal current model is analyzed and two potential sites are found at the narrowest part of the strait. The generated power is calculated for a D10 Sabella turbine. The calculation shows that the amounts of power generated are 522.972 and 324.12 MWh for the two sites, respectively, in 2014. The study shows that Larantuka Strait is very promising and suitable as a site for a tidal current power plant with its tidal current and water depth. A detailed analysis, including financial, navigation, and environmental studies, needs to be conducted to present the feasibility of the realization.