Numerical Analysis

Numerical analysis has been carried out at a concept level on this novel tidal lagoon system. Initially, a 0D modelling approach was adopted to coarsely optimise plant operation parameters and estimate the energy yield from the proposed concept.

Following the 0D studies, a more detailed and higher fidelity 1D model has been constructed utilising an implicit finite difference method based on the simultaneous pressure correction approach. 

Essentially, a 1D numerical system model includes a network of connected components such as sluice valves, pipes, pumps, turbines and other similar components. Each system component is modelled, and their combined effect is simulated in the system, using empirical laws or performance maps. The network itself is solved based on the numerical solution of the governing equations of fluid dynamics.

The 1D modelling approach provided greater accuracy in the prediction of power yields from the plant and allowed for dynamic power plant control algorithms to be established.

Results from the model show that the proposed tidal lagoon system can potentially generate 4.43 TWh of power per year (~867,000 houses) for 23.4 hours a day, with power generation above 100 MW for 18.91 hours per day. A significant increase over a traditional single lagoon system.