FloWTurb research project is set to investigate the combined effect of tidal currents, gravity waves, and ambient flow turbulence on the dynamic response of tidal energy converter.
The project, led by the University of Edinburgh, has received £745,000 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) – the UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.
FloWTurb is expected to result in the establishment of a high quality database comprising field-scale measurements from the Pentland Firth, Orkney waters, and Shetland region, supplemented by laboratory-scale measurements from Edinburgh University’s FloWave wave-current facility.
Controlled experiments will be carried out at Edinburgh University’s FloWave facility to determine hydrodynamic loads on a tidal current device and hence parameterise wave-current-turbulence-induced fatigue loading on the turbine’s rotor and foundation.
An understanding of wave-current-structure interaction and how this affects the dynamic loading on the rotor, support structure, foundation, and other structural components is essential not only for the evaluation of power or performance, but also for the estimation of normal operational and extreme wave and current scenarios used to assess the survivability and economic viability of the technology, and to predict associated risks – it is stated in the project description.
Partners of the FloWTurb project include Cape Breton University, DNV GL, Marine Scotland Science, MASTS, National Institute of Ocean Tech (NIOT), Nova Innovation, Partac, and Scotrenewables Tidal Power.
The project is expected to last until January 31, 2019.