Abstract
This MaRINET 2 project is to test scaled prototypes of a novel vertical axis tidal turbine. The patented turbine concept has been developed by Brí Toinne Teoranta (McGuire, 2014). The novelty of the turbine design arises from its swept spiral blades, shown in Figure 1.1. Work has been carried out on the optimisation of the design within Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI) through collaboration with a PhD student at NUI Galway. Research to date has focused on numerical modelling which has shown the increased mechanical power efficiency of the novel design over existing vertical axis turbines (Heavey, McGarry and Leen, 2016) (Heavey, Leen and McGarry, 2017). The numerical models have also been implemented to optimise the turbine design parameters. A towing tank test facility has been set up at NUI Galway with plans to test a scaled prototype (1/100th scale), shown in Figure 1.2.
Brí Toinne Teoranta has received funding through the MaRINET program to conduct model tests in the recirculation tank of IFREMER in Boulogne (France) for 1 week. The funding received covers 5 days access to the recirculation tank at the IFREMER facilities plus travelling and accommodation expenses. These tests were carried out from 14th – 18th May 2018.