Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/M02038X/1
Title:	Flow control to mitigate fatigue load through the use of flexible tidal turbine blades
Principal Investigator:	Viola, Professor I
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Dalian University of Technology Ocean University of China
Department:	Sch of Engineering
Organisation:	University of Edinburgh
Scheme:	Standard Research - NR1
Starts:	01 October 2014	Ends:	30 June 2015	Value (£):	96,049
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Energy - Marine & Hydropower
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The project is a feasibility study on the use of flexible blades to increase the durability and survivability of tidal turbines. The highly turbulent flow experienced by tidal turbines leads to continuous load variations limiting the fatigue endurance. It is proposed to use flexible blades in order to control the flow field around the blades and allow constant stresses on the turbine's blades and shaft. Under the effect of a variation of the onset flow velocity at a certain location along the blade span, the flexible blade will change the local angle of attack and the foil shape. The new flow field around the blade section will be as such to minimise the load change on the blade section. The reduced, if not completely avoided, load variations will enhance the fatigue endurance of the blade and the shaft.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.ed.ac.uk