Author(s): M. Alvarez; R. Carballo; J. V. Ramos; N. Arean; M. Torres; G. Iglesias

Linked Author(s): Elizabeth Milagros Santiago Torres, Manuel Álvarez Chaves

Keywords: Tidal stream energy; Dredging; Numerical modelling; Ría de Ribadeo

Abstract: In this work, the effects of regular dredging on the hydrodynamics of the Ría de Ribadeo are analysed. For this purpose, a numerical model is implemented and used for investigating their influence on the possible location of a tidal stream farm. In Northwestern Spain estuaries, there are favorable conditions to large tidal currents. Due to these current velocities, several works previously conducted have been focused on finding the best locations for tidal stream farms, based on the available resource and on the viability of installing converter devices. This way, added to the natural shelter that these locations provide, some possible spots to install stream tidal farms have been found. In estuaries, stream tidal farms to be built in the future will have to coexist with former uses. One of the most common uses in Galician estuaries is the access channels to ports. The closed configuration of estuaries, combined with strong currents, lead to sediment dynamics that force to dredge the ports in order to keep them in acceptable safety conditions. Through dredging, one of the most important boundary condition affecting the resulting tidal currents, i.e. bathymetry configuration, is changed in a few days. The main purpose of this work is checking through numerical modelling if regular dredging might significantly alter the estuary currents and therefore tidal energy exploitation. As a reference, a zone of the Ria of Ribadeo, Northwestern Spain, has been studied.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-981-11-2731-1_195-cd

Year: 2018