Tidal Energy Round Robin Tests: A Comparison of Flow Measurements and Turbine Loading

Rodrigo Martinez, Benoît Gaurier, Stephanie Ordonez-Sanchez, Jean-Valéry Facq, Gregory Germain, Cameron Johnstone, Ivan Santic, Francesco Salvatore, Thomas Davey, Chris Old, Brian G. Sellar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

A Round Robin Tests program is being undertaken within the EC MaRINET2 initiative. This programme studies the used facility influence can have on the performance evaluation of a horizontal axis tidal turbine prototype when it is operated under wave and current conditions. In this paper, we present the design of experiments that is used throughout the work programme and the results related to the flow characterisation obtained at the Ifremer wave and current circulating tank, the Cnr-Inm wave towing tank and the ocean research facility FloWave. These facilities have been identified to provide adequate geometric conditions to accommodate a 0.724 m diameter turbine operating at flow velocities of 0.8 and 1.0 m/s. The set-up is replicated in each of the facilities with exemption of the amount of flow measuring instruments. Intrinsic differences in creating wave and currents between facilities are found. Flow velocities are up to 10% higher than the nominal values and wave amplitudes higher than the target values by up to a factor of 2. These discrepancies are related to the flow and wave generation methods used at each facility. When the flow velocity is measured besides the rotor, the velocity presents an increase of 8% compared to the upstream measurements.
Original languageEnglish
Article number425
JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Apr 2021

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Marine energy
  • wave and current interactions
  • round robin tests
  • flow measurements
  • horizontal axis tidal turbine
  • UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tidal Energy Round Robin Tests: A Comparison of Flow Measurements and Turbine Loading'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this