Evaluating the tidal energy resource for smooth power output and grid integration in the United States
In comparison to wind and solar energy, tidal resources are predictable with a high degree of certainty. Although tides are inherently variable, their periodicity and predictability create the possibility of providing smooth power output to the grid. By spatially diversifying tidal devices to capture the tidal wave as it propagates through a system, aggregate power becomes smoother. Tidal energy assessments have indicated that energy extraction is viable in several regions around the world, leading to the development and testing of many devices. However, less attention has been given to the interface between energy production and grid integration, particularly in the United States. We evaluate tidal phases for several regions across the United States to determine if there is enough diversity within relatively close distances of one another. By calculating the cross correlations of estimated tidal current velocity time series between representative locations in defined regions, we show three regions in the United States that have the potential to aggregate power output from geographically diversified turbines to generate a smoother, baseload-like power profile.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1600636
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-147231
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: OCEANS 2019 MTS/IEEE, October 27-31, 2019, Seattle, WA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Evaluating the Potential for Tidal Phase Diversity to Produce Smoother Power Profiles
Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Site Identification and Ranking Methodology Part II: Tidal Energy