This chapter details four case studies addressing the grid integration of wave and tidal current energy. The first three studies focus on the power quality issues arising from the connection of a tidal device or of a wave farm on their local network. More specifically, the first study investigates the impact of the SeaGen tidal turbine connected at Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. The two other studies focus on the grid impact of a medium-size wave farm on its local network. The last study addresses the challenges in terms of grid integration at a power system level and details the capacity value of wave energy in Ireland.

Chapter Contents:

• 6.1 Introduction
• 6.2 Case study: tidal energy - SeaGen
• 6.2.1 Introduction
• 6.2.2 Test methodologies
• 6.2.3 SeaGen power quality performance compared with similar wind turbines
• 6.2.4 Conclusions
• 6.3 Case study: wave energy
• 6.3.1 Introduction
• 6.3.2 Impact of a point absorber farm on the local grid of the bimep and AMETS test sites
• 6.3.3 Analysis of the flicker level as a function of a test site's short-circuit characteristics
• 6.4 Capacity value of wave energy
• 6.4.1 Capacity factor and capacity value: measuring generation system adequacy
• 6.4.2 Capacity value calculation
• 6.4.3 Case study: Ireland
• 6.5 References

Inspec keywords: power grids; tidal power stations; hydraulic turbines; power supply quality

Other keywords: Northern Ireland; Ireland; power system level; wave energy capacity value; SeaGen tidal turbine; medium-size wave farm; grid integration; tidal current energy; power quality issues; tidal device connection; Strangford Lough

Subjects: Power supply quality and harmonics; Tidal power stations and plants