A review of tidal current power generation farm planning: Methodologies, characteristics and challenges

Tidal current energy is regarded as a promising renewable energy with strong predictability and high energy density advantages. Tidal current power generation farm (TCPGF) planning has obtained great concerns to improve the exploitation of tidal current energy. Substantial work has been conducted to derive a TCPGF planning scheme with high economy and engineering value. However, there is no overall review of existing TCPGF planning methods so far. To give a systematic overview for the methodologies, characteristics, and challenges on this topic, this paper presents a thorough review for TCPGF planning methods. First, the macrositting methods of TCPGFs, which are the premise and basis of TCPGF planning, are discussed in detail. Then, the progress in tidal current turbine (TCT) layout and electrical collector system (ECS) planning are thoroughly surveyed. Finally, the challenges in TCPGF planning and the potential applications of artificial intelligence in TCPGF planning are proposed to promote the development of tidal current energy.