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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/R000875/1
Title: Design Feasibility Study for a Low Velocity Tidal Stream Turbine
Principal Investigator: O'Doherty, Professor T
Other Investigators:
Mason-Jones, Dr A Prickett, Mr P Grosvenor, Dr RI
Byrne, Dr C Myers, Dr L Bahaj, Professor AS
Johnstone, Mr C
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Arup Group Ltd Nautricity Robert Bosch GmbH
SCHOTTEL HYDRO GmbH
Department: Sch of Engineering
Organisation: Cardiff University
Scheme: Standard Research
Starts: 01 January 2018 Ends: 31 December 2019 Value (£): 197,887
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Energy - Marine & Hydropower
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
16 Feb 2017 Energy Feasibility 2017 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
The research will investigate the feasibility of extracting energy from low velocity (< 2 m/s) tidal flows, using the UK waters as a case study. Existing research and commercial developments have focused on the energy extraction from high velocity flows (> 2 m/s), given the priority has been to optimise the potential renewable energy. However there are numerous issues associated with the associated technologies relating to the operation, reliability, maintenance and survivability of turbines in these high energy flows.

Consequently, there is now a need to consider the potential energy from low velocity tidal currents, where some of these issues will not be so paramount and the resulting energy costs make this option economically attractive. Given the different tidal conditions, it is imperative that a feasibility study is first undertaken to analyse the environmental conditions and determine the design parametrics required for a tidal stream turbine to operate in such low velocity flows.

The study will therefore provide information to the tidal turbine developers on the design requirements for a low velocity tidal stream turbine, including the blade geometry and the drive train system as well as a Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) evaluation for comparison with existing technologies.

Key Findings
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Organisation Website: http://www.cf.ac.uk