Optimal Operation of a Tidal Turbine

The optimum operation strategy of a tidal turbine is calculated for a generic problem which consists of a small and shallow channel between two infinite reservoirs exposed to tidal waves. The optimal operating volume flow rate is found to be 1/√3 of the natural flow rate without employed tidal turbines and yields the maximum energy to be harvested per period, which is 2√3⁄9 ≈ 38.5% of the initially transported energy per period.