A research project led by Dynamic Systems Analysis has deployed a marine system called EcoSpray to analyse the behaviour of floating tidal energy platforms and moorings in turbulent tidal flows.
The platform has been deployed in Grand Passage between Freeport and Westport in Nova Scotia in the Outer Bay of Fundy.
It is part of a Natural Resource Canada ecoEnergy Innovation Initiative-funded project to help reduce the cost of instream tidal energy.
The other project partners are Acadia University, Fundy Tidal, Dalhousie University and the University of New Brunswick.
EcoSpray was designed and built by DSA, Fundy Tidal, Clare Machine Works and Bear River Plastics.
It includes equipment to measure motion, mooring line loads, wind speeds, tidal currents and wave conditions, as well as a drag plate to simulate the thrust created by an underwater turbine.
Dynamic Systems Analysis co-founder and director of operations Dean Steinke said: “Large scale multi-MW projects using floating platforms are being discussed in the emerging tidal industry for the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia.
“Expertise and experience with the deployment of these systems, the longevity and loading of their moorings, and characterization of the environment are needed to ensure the success of the projects.
“This test is being used to generate critical validation data for the tidal energy industry, which it can use to move forward with reduced risk.”
Image: Bay of Fundy (Province of Nova Scotia)
Tidal test underway at Fundy
Project starts to collect data on tide's impact on marine systems and moorings
By EBS