Novel approach to Marine Energy device instrumenting and real-time sensor data processing

In order to meet the ever increasing global energy demand, additional energy sources must be explored. With increasing effects of climate change and finite fossil fuels, clean renewable energy must be utilised. Both wind and solar technologies are mature enough to be cost competitive, however, marine energy (tidal and wave technologies) - specifically tidal - is presently at the pre-commercial stage1. Tidal power is both energy dense and predictable, though it is spatially limited, relative geographic constrictions are required.
One major challenge for tidal power progression at present is the lack of knowledge of tidal flow at high energy sites, this contributes to over engineering TECs which directly correspond to large expenses in both construction and levelised cost of energy (LCOE) - price of electricity is not sufficient to generate returns on investments2 . TECs currently replicate the wind industry, though operation conditions are dissimilar. Factors such as: boundary layer, bathymetry, coastline geometries and additional complications are experienced through the interaction between wave and currents throughout the water column.
Site characterisations (required before deployment of TEC) utilise Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), these devices collect data corresponding to tidal flow, direction and turbulence factors, different variations allow for longer ranges and depths with differing resolutions to be analysed. ADCPs are the most practical and economical instruments for obtaining instantaneous velocity profile measurements3. These data sets are expensive to acquire and only provide information from a single location. They are typically used to calibrate and validate wide-region numerical models which can provide more site-wide information.
ADCPs come with uncertainties such as: random error; calibration; resolution error; device placement & orientation; temperature sensor and data acquisition. Currently, standards exist for determining uncertainties in calibrated instruments and measured results, these are part of the technical specification IEC 62600-200:20134, power performance assessment (PPA). These are largely based on the wind standard IEC 61400-12 PPA5, and there is a need to demonstrate the suitability of these specifically to tidal energy.
The project will be carried out in collaboration with an industrial partner, EMEC and external relationships may be formed with developers throughout the project. Three universities will provide supervision (Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Exeter). The focus is to develop the IEC 62600-200 PPA in relation to uncertainty of results for the power curve. Real-time data processing of instruments will be analysed, exploring solutions to issues found with battery power or cable connection. Where possible, explore techniques and insights from real-time data processing to contribute to PPA. The work will also consider, where appropriate, other Industrial Guidance and work related to the broader challenge of Tidal Resource Characterisation.

The primary impact will be achieved by industrially-sponsored student research projects. These will be designed to deliver immediate benefits to project sponsors, and the wider sector, forming a critical mass in capacity, knowledge and innovation opportunities.

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) sector has seen rapid growth over recent years, with asset installations and operations increasing significantly. The UK is a global leader in the research, development and engineering in ORE, delivering significant benefits for UK plc. Current UK offshore wind installed capacity is in excess of 5GW and is forecasted to grow to around 10GW by 2020, with expected capacity increases of 1GW/year until 2030. Across Europe, installations (excluding the UK) exceed 6GW capacity, with a further 9GW envisaged before 2020 and a growth rate of 2.5 GW/year up to 2030. Whilst offshore wind is at an industrial stage where it creates new jobs right now, tidal and wave energy hold the potential to further mature to provide the benefits from commercial deployments by 2040. ORE generation complements the low carbon energy portfolio, reducing CO2 emissions.

The sector will drive substantial economic benefit to the UK, provided development, research and training can keep up with the sector. Economic analysis conducted for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland shows that 3FTE construction job years are created per MW of offshore wind deployed, and a further 0.6FTE are created through ongoing operations and maintenance, creating thousands of jobs per GW/year. Analysis by the ORE Catapult found that current offshore wind projects have an average 32% UK content. By 2040 the UK is to increase this content in areas of strength such as blade and tower manufacture, cable supply and O&M, by providing the needed investment, development and skills training. Supply chain analysis projects that 65% UK content could be possible by 2030, with further export opportunities, estimated to be worth £9.2bn per year by 2030. The current GVA to the UK per GW installed (at 32% UK content) is £1.8bn and estimates suggest a possible increase to £2.9bn by 2030. Future UK employment in the ORE sector has been modelled by Cambridge Econometrics. By 2032 the sector could support 58,000 FTE jobs in the UK, with 21,000 FTE jobs direct employment (up from 10,000 FTEs jobs currently) and another 37,000 FTE additional indirect jobs.

IDCORE will contribute to and improve ORE supply chain development, by providing dedicated R&D support to SMEs and developers, building industry and investor confidence and working with investors and asset owners. The program will result in new technical solutions, enhanced O&M service offerings and enhanced engineering design and analysis tools for the benefit of the industry partners and the wider sector.

The role of government strategy and policy development will be a crucial element of the training provided to IDCORE students. Used within their projects, and in interactions with sponsors, this knowledge will improve the outcomes for their work making it relevant to latest policy developments. It will also drive the development of robust evidence for government, improving policy making. Such engagement is supported by links created between the partners and the Scottish and UK Governments and organisations like Wave Energy Scotland and the International Energy Agency.

The development and demonstration of an effective EngD programme is important for the broader academic community, providing a model for engagement with industry and other stakeholders which is as effective in its impact on SMEs as it is with larger organisations.

The consortium has strong international links across Europe and in Chile, China, India, Japan, Mexico, and the USA. Promoting EngD programmes for renewable energy has the potential to lead to the formation of new sister programmes - expanding opportunities for staff and student exchange.