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

a4e16b43-afbc-4acb-902d-2d3c3502b5a7

Closed

EPSRC
EPSRC
EPSRC
EPSRC
EPSRC

£6,946,860

June 30, 2012

Sept. 30, 2015

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.

Potential Impact:
The partnership with industry emphasises the importance of this study as there is an urgent need for understanding extreme loading events and impact on tidal stream turbines (TSTs). Key areas of impact of this project are:-
UK: The deliverables of this study will have significant and beneficial impact on the UK, stimulating its manufacturing sector (particularly some key UK based OEMs) and helping to meet its renewable energy commitments. The design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of TSTs will benefit from this study and the UK will therefore be better placed to become a global force. The structural engineering sector will also be a beneficiary as the existing, yet underutilised, manufacturing facilities and expertise can be applied to the design and manufacture of turbine installations. Building these structures within the UK will have clear benefits for future UK economy.
Academia: The project will allow researchers and developers of any marine energy generator to incorporate the condition monitoring techniques and instrumentation, numerical modelling strategies and fatigue analysis tool into their studies. The knowledge and expertise of the investigators involved with this project have been integrated to address these issues alongside industrial collaborators. The development of robust condition monitoring systems will help direct future deployment and to determine maintenance schedules. This will provide academics with the tools which can be applied to other marine devices and devices which require remote access in hazardous environments.
An important impact is the training and development of the RAs and pg students through formal training, conference visits and the opportunity for collaboration with industry.
Device designers: The UK leads the world with the development and deployment of marine energy devices. This project will make significant contributions to accelerate the deployment of TST arrays. The understanding of wave-tidal current interaction will enable developers to reduce over engineering, whilst maintaining reliability and survivability of the TSTs. It will also reduce production and operation costs by optimising structural design. The integration of a robust condition monitoring system into the devices will allow for their remote monitoring to detect potential defects at an earlier stage before the levels of damage and repair costs escalate. The input from the industrial collaborators, MCT and TEL, with the assistance of Mabey Bridge, TATA and NI, will be significant in ensuring the findings of this project are put into practice at the first opportunity.
Energy companies, Consultants and Environmental agencies: By incorporating wave and tidal current data an accurate determination of the energy that can be extracted from a site can be achieved. This will allow the energy suppliers to gain a realistic evaluation of balancing supply and demand using tidal energy. The deployment of TST arrays will lead to the redirection of tidal currents. An understanding of these effects on the environment, both upstream and downstream will have a bearing on Consent Applications.
The understanding of the near field velocities and pressures are critical factors associated with marine life habitats. Energy suppliers and consultants such as Arup will gain considerable experience in this specific area of renewable energy. The impact of which can instigate employment benefits to the UK.
Material suppliers and structural fabricators: Understanding of the loading on TSTs will help define the material specifications and provide guidance to the device designers, manufacturers and material suppliers. The input from the industrial collaborators Mabey Bridge, Power Units M & E Engineering Ltd and TATA will ensure that the findings of this project are used to assist with the production of the next generation of TSTs. This will also ensure that the UK based OEMs are at the forefront of the Marine development industry.