A tidal stream energy resource assessment for Guernsey, UK, with an investigation of the physical processes current methodologies ignore

A tidal stream resource assessment is carried out using data obtained from a bed mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) carried out by Guernsey Renewable Energy Team, in the Big Russel channel and close to the island of Sark, Guernsey, UK. Two industry standard methods are used, the European marine energy centre (EMEC) assessment of tidal energy resource guideline and the Equitable testing and evaluation of Marine energy extraction devices in terms of performance, cost and environmental impact (EQUIMAR) deliverable D2.2 wave and tidal resource characterisation. These are summarised in tabular and flow chart format. The results of the two assessments are presented over 3 data collection sites with the overall power outputs calculated. Site 01 has the maximum power closely followed by site 02 and site 03 producing the least power available. Critique is made of the methods and results. The ADCP data is analysed and evidence of the effect of physical processes such as, wind and wave driven currents in the surface boundary layer (SBL), frictional effects of the sea bed in the bottom boundary layer (BBL) and turbulent flows are presented.In collaboration with Guernsey Renewable Energy Tea