Assessing the site potential for underwater turbines in tidal channels using numerical modeling and advanced ocean current measurements

A combination of advanced ocean current profiling measurements and high resolution 3D numerical models was used to assess site potential for underwater turbines in tidal channels of the inland waters off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. The measurements involved the use of ADCP transects through potential sites. Due to the very strong tidal currents of up to 10 knots or more, special procedures are required to generate accurate and reliable maps of the very strong ocean currents. The three-dimensional, coastal circulation model COCIRM was used to map these detailed flows under different scenarios and assess the potential at various sites for operation of underwater turbines after validated using available water elevation and ocean current data.