Engineering

Description

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This research project will investigate how oceanographic conditions affect loadings on devices and operating windows for activities such as array construction and maintenance. Data from existing sites will be used to develop models of a single and array of turbines using previously gained expertise in modelling tidal flow characteristics, both with and without wave-tide interaction. Using non-dimensional parameters for power and loading, turbines will be considered at different scales to assess the potential for power extraction versus the number of turbines within a defined area and the potential array wake size on the surrounding environment.

Contents

From the models the asymmetric loads exerted on the turbine blades, hub and support structure will be determined, along with the shaft bending moments, over a complete rotational cycle. The influence of the natural background turbulence level will be considered for these loadings and wake size. This will also be expanded to consider the collision/impacts on an in-situ turbine.