Assessment of the tidal current energy resource in São Marcos Bay, Brazil

Abstract

At the present time, the role of renewable energy in Brazil is significant as hydropower and other renewable energies, principally biomass, contribute 76.9 and 6.0 %, respectively, towards the total offer of electricity, as compared to the corresponding values of 15.8 and 2.8 % worldwide. Nevertheless, there is already an increasing role which is played by wind energy, and a promising potential for the exploitation of tidal current energy. This paper is concerned with the assessment of the tidal current resource in São Marcos Bay, which is located at the northeastern coast of Brazil, and which possesses a highly promising potential for the generation of electricity through the conversion of tidal current energy. Three potential zones for tidal power exploitation have been identified employing a two-dimensional (2DH) hydrodynamic model. Power densities for these regions are in the range of 9.2-11.2 MWh/m 2-year. Three array densities for two thrust coefficient values have been studied in each zone to evaluate hydrodynamic interferences, revealing positive as well as negative impacts regarding power density.

Design of a Horizontal Axis Tidal Turbine for Less Energetic Current Velocity Profiles

“…Other tropical countries such as Brazil and Mexico also have similar flow conditions. Brazil has slightly better conditions, with peak current velocities reaching a range of 2-2.5 m/s, although median speeds still remain at 1.1 m/s [22].…”

Prey Choice by Declining Atlantic Flyway Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) at a Major Wintering Area in Brazil

“…The coast of Maranhão and Pará form the world's largest area of contiguous mangrove, covering more than 7,000 km 2 (Nascimento et al 2013). This coast is highly dynamic with large sediment discharges from the Amazon and other smaller rivers, which are deposited and shaped by coastal currents and macro-tides reaching 8 m of amplitude (González-Gorbeña et al 2015). The climate is tropical humid with most of the annual precipitation (ca.…”

Length-weight relationships of six fish species from São Marcos Bay, Northeastern Brazil

“…This region is characterized by semi-diurnal tides. In addition, it has a macro-tide that can reach more than 8 m during equinoctial spring tides (González-Gorbeña, Rosman, & Qassim, 2015). Sampling was conducted quarterly from April 2010 to February 2013 in three estuaries.…”