News
Oceanography gets physical as Partrac collect turbulence data for the Tidal Energy industry
Scottish based oceanographic survey company Partrac Ltd report that they have been successful in collecting high frequency flow turbulence data for several tidal energy conversion (TEC) clients, in Scotland, Wales and in Europe.
Whilst generation of power curves from mean flow data is important for developers to know the tidal resource at a site, flow turbulence is a factor governing development of vibration-induced strains in the turbine blades and other moving components. It is only through collection of flow data on high temporal timeframes that the potential hydrodynamic structural fatigue can be modelled effectively.
Collection of turbulence data in an appropriate fashion has been a considerable challenge for the industry for some years. A significant practical problem is that turbulence data are required at the height of the turbine (not near the seabed), and collection of mid-water turbulence data on a vibration free platform in such high energy flows is extremely difficult. Director and Senior Oceanographer Peter Wilson, who designed the data acquisition system and led the survey team said: “Acquiring good quality data at these sites is extremely challenging and requires meticulous planning. As far as we are aware this is a first for the tidal energy industry anywhere in the world, and we are proud of the methods and approaches we have developed which have given us 100% data returns”
With the industry receiving a recent boost from the Crown Estate announcements regarding site leases we are perfectly placed to offer our services to all developers and interested parties. The fatigue response of the turbine structures if of great concern and is largely unknown because the industry is so young at present. Partrac has a solid track record in provision of high quality data to help the industry move forward.
For further details contact Peter Wilson: pwilson@partrac.com
Events
WORKSHOP: Unique Challenges of Site Characterisation in Wave & Tidal Projects
Site characterisation is imperative when developing wave and tidal energy projects. Project managers must understand the types of site survey required for marine energy developments, manage risks and conform to data standards whilst delivering on project requirements.
This offical RenewableUK Wave & Tidal 2012 workshop, hosted by The Partrac Group, will act as a platform for project engineers, project developers, surveyors, consultants and device manufacturers to understand the constraints and respond to the demands of acquiring oceanographic, geosciences and environmental data in challenging and complex marine environments.
Representatives from a range of organisations will present on industry needs, best practice, national and international standards / guidance, and discuss the challenges of site characterisation. In addition there will be an interactive session at the end of the workshop for attendees to examine the site characterisation process and how it can be streamlined within the process of site development to reduce risk and provide timely data.
For more information and to register for this workshop please contact Claire Kremeyer, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, by email: ckremeyer@partrac.com or by telephone: +44 (0) 141 552 3903.
For information about the RenewableUK Wave & Tidal Conference & Exhibition, please visit the event website.
RenewableUK Wave & Tidal 2012
The Partrac Group will be exhibiting at the RenewableUK Wave & Tidal 2012 Conference and Exhibition in Edinburgh on 15th March 2012. Come and visit us at Stand 20.
Wave and Tidal 2012 is a must for anyone interested in the development of the sector’s huge potential, not just in the UK but worldwide. With conference sessions and over 450 government and industry professionals expected, it presents a golden opportunity to update yourself on all fronts.
For more information and to register for the conference, please visit the RenewableUK Wave & Tidal 2012 website.
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