Rosario Strait Tidal Resource Characterization

Observational dataset from the Orcas Island Power and Light Coop. (OPALCO) tidal site in Rosario Strait, WA (USA). This project presents a resource characterization of the tidal currents at a proposed site for power generation in Rosario Strait, WA (USA). Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) were deployed to measured tidal currents, turbulence, and surface waves at the site. The measurements followed established technical specifications (IEC 62600-201) and were informed by previous work at other tidal power sites in the region. The datasets provided include processed and raw data from Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) deployed at three locations for 103 days. Also included is an estimate of turbulent intensity. Stationary measurements of tidal currents were collected from 2 Oct 2024 to 13 Jan 2025 (total duration: 103 days). This duration is sufficient to determine at least 20 tidal constituents using classic tidal harmonic analysis, and it is also sufficient to determine a purely statistical description of the tidal currents. The measurements used ADCPs on three different platforms: a Sea Spider seafloor tripod (SS), a stablemoor (STBM) subsurface mooring, and a surface buoy (SB) mooring. The sea spider tripod measurements alone are sufficient for resource characterization. The additional measurements were included for risk mitigation, spatial context, and informing future revisions to IEC 62600-201. For more information on the project and methodology see the "Rosario Data Report Final" resource below.

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