The third step of tidal energy testing called Round Robin took place at CNR-INSEAN this month.
Comparisons were based on the performance measurements of the device (torque and thrust) in a flow velocity range from 0.6 to 1.2 m/s, as was done in the first and second leg of testing. The use of the same acquisition hardware, software and the presence of Ifremer staff during these tests ensured for the testing protocol was kept constant. The final output of this Round Robin testing is likely to be very strong.
A comparative “Round Robin” testing programme is being conducted by MARINET to test an identical tidal energy model at four different tidal test facilities to characterise and verify the performance behaviour of the test facilities. The facilities involved are CNR-INSEAN (Rome), Strathclyde University (Glasgow), Edinburgh University and Ifremer (Boulogne sur mer).
The findings of these tests will be used to establish normalisation factors to be applied to test results at specific sites in order to benchmark device performance for comparison.
The model used for this comparison is a three blades horizontal-axis turbine designed by Ifremer. This same model was used in each of the three facilities. Comparison will be based on results of the performance assessment of the device characterized by torque and drag measurements.
Press release, April 29, 2014; Image: MARINET