Tidal range turbines and generation on the Solway Firth

This paper assists in determining the realistic amount of power available from tidal range generation on the Solway Firth, utilising the latest turbine information for the estimates. The barrage location that is to yield the largest amount of energy output has been highlighted, standing between Workington and Abbey Head at a length of 30 km, spanning the outermost part of the estuary. Double regulated turbine models from Sulzer Escher Wyss of Zurich and also Andritz Hydro are used to determine the flow and power characteristics for individual turbines over a range of heads. Combining the up to date Andritz model with bathymetry sourced from the Department of Energy, and tidal characteristics (modelled from tidal constituents), the model for the behaviour of a barrage on the Solway for ebb generation is constructed.

► Optimised modelling & behaviour of a Solway Firth barrage for generation & economics.
► Utilises GIS mapping, bathymetric data & turbine models from Sulzer & Andritz.
► Compares the results with previous studies within 0.09 TWh.
► For annual generation of 8.53 TWh at a cost of £19,448 million the price is 15.2 p/KWh.
► For 9.44 TWh the price is 12.2 p/KWh (15 years payback) & 8.5 p/KWh (20 years payback).