Daniel Gajardo, Rodrigo Cienfuegos, Maricarmen Guerra, Cristián Escauriaza.
JI3 2016, number 6, pages 62-75.
Abstract
This article develops a one-dimensional numerical model capable of simulating hydrodynamic conditions and tidal currents occurring in the Chacao Channel, located in the X Region of Chile. The main objective of this study is to use this simulation to preliminarily evaluate the tidal energy resource available in this area, which can be extracted through marine energy converters. The study is not carried out for a specific marine energy converter, but represents them as a force acting in the fluid, extracting momentum from it. The results obtained contribute to a better understanding of the hydrodynamics processes present in the study area and can also be compared with more complex models. In adition, the authors intend to validate this model as a simple tool capable of estimating preliminarily the tidal energy potential of sites with similar geographic characteristics to the Chacao Channel. The model developed by Blanchfield et al. [1] was used as a reference, validating its application with analytical solutions, field data and study cases. The application of the model to Chacao Channel resulted in an along channel velocity mean of 1.85 ms-1 and a maximum of 2.79 ms-1. Regarding the channel’s tidal energy potential, it was found that this location has a resource of approximately 1,075 MW. This value decreases to 468 MW when 90% of the natural flow is conserved.