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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 

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