Optimally controlled hydrodynamics for tidal power in the severn estuary
A representation of the hydrodynamics of a wedge-shaped tidal estuary, involving the integration of a set of ordinary differential equations, is developed and applied to the severn estuary, with an energy-extracting barrage present on a line from Brean Down to Lavernock Point. Within the hydrodynamic model, the barrage is controlled so as to maximize energy output over one tidal cycle, using ebb generation only; dynamic programming is used to find the optimal control. Numerically accurate machinery characteristics are used.
scientific article; zbMATH DE number 3906070