Susana Baston

Correcting for mesh size dependency in a regional model's representation of tidal turbines

When regional-scale hydrodynamic models use fine mesh sizes, such that the cross-section of a cell approaches that of a turbine, an error emerges in the calculation of turbine thrust. This error can be corrected using a method derived from actuator disk theory. We demonstrate this error, explain its source, and then present and test a new MATLAB package to correct for it. Although some minor mesh dependency remains after the correction, its effect is reduced by an order of magnitude. Keywords—numerical modelling, marine renewable energy, tidal energy, energy extraction, MIKE 3