Modeling and assessing the potential of the Boqueirão channel for tidal exploration.

Exploring the energy potential of the oceans is a promising alternative to produce clean energy with a reduced environmental impact. Brazil has a significant tidal potential, particularly in the coastal region of the north, which covers the states of Amapá, Pará and Maranhão. The Boqueirão Channel, located in São Marcos Bay in Maranhão, is recognized for its wide tidal variability and strong tidal currents, which shows it has a significant tidal potential. This article examines the energetic characterization of this estuary in terms of tidal currents. Based on measurements taken in situ using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler and a Conductivity, Temperature and Depth sensor, the area is modeled in Delft3D software, with velocity results adjusted and validated to allow accurate representation of tidal currents. The theoretical potential of an area of 1.5 km 2 , considering a hydrokinetic turbine with diffuser, was estimated at 85.75 GWh. The results obtained are compared with those in the literature. Taking into account the available area and the physical constraints of the channel, it is possible to estimate a Levelized Cost of Energy - LCOE of 0.185 $ kWh − 1 for the projected hydrokinetic farm. • Hydrodynamic modeling of the site using measured data is reported. • The viability of the estuary is demonstrated. • The importance of sites with intermediate tidal currents is highlighted. • Hydrokinetic diffuser-augmented turbines are competitive alternative to improve in a tidal farm efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]