Compared to wind turbines, tidal turbines operate in blocked flow where the tidal current is impacted by the seabed, the tidal channel and the turbine blades themselves. Further research is required to better model these effects to support tidal farm design and energy yield predictions.

In this task, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling is being utilised to better understand how blockage effects wake recovery. The outputs of the CFD modelling are being used to calibrate lower fidelity models which are in turn being incorporated into existing design tools that can more practically be used for array layout optimisation.

This area of research is likely to continue to be refined as more tidal farms are installed and additional data becomes available. MAXBLADE partners welcome enquiries on potential collaborations.

Contact

James Murray
Project Manager
j.murray@orbitalmarine.com