Workpackage 4: Hyd0rodynamics, Moorings and Foundations
Strands:
- Effects of wave and currents (particle kinematics) on MEC efficiency - strand underway: Total funded PhD ‘Long-term data time series analysis of waves, tides and currents at a MEC site’, study involves the hydrodynamics of wave current interaction, the effects on wave spectra, the energy distribution, fluid particle kinematics, non-linear wave analysis, field data monitoring and analysis with emphasis on evaluation for TEC developer needs.
- Wide spatial-scale measurement of wave and currents - springboard proposal (RASCAL PF for the Pentland Firth), study aims to improve on conventional ADCP methods (and wave data buoys in strong currents) which are impractical on the scale of our study area, the Pentland Firth. Instead, dedicated HF radar systems will provide data for site assessment and appraisal prior to tidal device installation, and subsequently continuous data for use by developers and for more general use in oceanographic and modelling studies. A further strand, the application of the Stanford University 3D wave and tidal modelling software, SUNTANS, is seen as an integral part of this study.
- Storm surge modelling - theoretical simulations, again utilising the SUNTANS software, to determine long term estimates of storm surge effects at Orkney sites, with associated implications for MEC mooring design.
- Mooring requirements and options - strands proposed and underway: studies relating to TEC device design, mooring systems, conventional catenary, hybrid (material), semi-taut and mooring mechanisms. Navigational buoy/mooring design for TEC sites. Studies to date include DTI and Carbon Trust work on dynamic assessment for TEC devices and collaborative work with Supergen II mooring arrays for MEC devices involving Brian Linfoot (HWU).
- Foundations requirements and options - the application of anchoring techniques applicable to MEC systems requires consideration of cost, environmental effects and performance with specialist knowledge of seabed geotechnics, piling, anchoring and dynamic performance. Dr Peter Woodward (HWU)