The Effects of Realistic Tidal Flows on the Performance and Structural Integrity of Tidal Stream Turbines

Completed

Renewable Energy Sources(Ocean Energy)

Basic and strategic applied research

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Civil Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr T O'Doherty
Engineering
Cardiff University

Standard

EPSRC

01 July 2012

30 September 2015

39 months

£1,389,372

Energy

Wales

Energy : Energy

Dr T O'Doherty, Engineering, Cardiff University

Dr C Byrne, Engineering, Cardiff University
Professor AG Davies, School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University
Dr RI Grosvenor, Engineering, Cardiff University
Dr M Li, Centre for Engineering Sustainability, University of Liverpool
Dr I Masters, Engineering, Swansea University
Professor D Mba, School of Engineering, Cranfield University
Dr SP Neill, School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University
Dr DM O'Doherty, Engineering, Cardiff University
Dr RJ Poole, Centre for Engineering Dynamics, University of Liverpool
Mr P Prickett, Engineering, Cardiff University
Dr JAA Teixeira, School of Engineering, Cranfield University

Dr A Mason-Jones, Engineering, Cardiff University
Dr M Togneri, Engineering, Swansea University

Project Contact, Marine Current Turbines Ltd
Project Contact, Mabey Bridge Ltd
Project Contact, Ove Arup & Partners Ltd
Project Contact, National Instruments Corp (UK) Ltd
Project Contact, Power Units M & E Engineering Ltd
Project Contact, Tidal Energy Limited
Project Contact, Tata Group UK

This project investigates the effects of extreme conditions on marine energy generators when installed as a single device or in arrays or farms. By combining the results of experiments, computer predictions and real life expertise, the research will enable the industry to produce, design and manufacture better tidal stream turbines that can be optimised to suit the prevailing sea conditions. Once these devices are deployed there will be a need to remotely monitor their condition and manage their operation during their life time. This research will deliver a system that will allow the owners of the devices to remotely monitor their condition and performance to ensure they achieve optimal energy production whilst maximising their life span. This will enable the electricity suppliers using this source of renewable energy to achieve the best possible long term economic performance. Finally, the environmental impact of such installations will be considered to ensure the positioning of these devices is not detrimental to the surrounding sea, coast and seabed

19/12/11