Tidal influence on offshore wind fields and resource predictions

The rise and fall of the sea surface due to tides effectively moves an offshore wind turbine hub through the wind shear profile. This effect is quantified using measured data from three offshore UK sites. Statistical evidence of the influence of tide on mean wind speed and turbulence is presented. The implications of this effect for predicting offshore wind resource are outlined.

Keywords: Tidal, tide, offshore, wind, resource, MCP