Applications of 3D Coastal Circulation Numerical Model in Assessing Potential Locations of Installing Underwater Turbines

The three-dimensional, coastal circulation numerical model COCIRM-SED was recently adapted and optimized to simulate and predict the flows in southern Discovery Passage and Canoe Pass, BC, Canada. These model results provided reliable, detailed flow information for use in assessing potential locations of installing and operating underwater tidal current turbines. In the application of modeling flows in southern Discovery Passage, the model involved tidal forcing with 69 constituents at open boundaries as well as the effects of the Campbell River freshwater input and the Coriolis. Detailed hourly model flows for typical neap and spring tides were extracted for use in the site assessment of potential locations for tidal current turbines. In the other application of modeling flows in Canoe Pass, the model was used to predict the water flows and water levels through Canoe Pass if the dam in Canoe Pass, which has been in place since the 1940's, were completely removed and replaced by a passage of 40 m wide between Quadra and Maude Islands. In both studies, the model went through extensive calibration and verification processes using available measurements of water levels and ocean currents at various sites in the modeling areas. It was demonstrated that the 3D model has very good capabilities for simulating water level and currents in both model areas under different conditions.