The main technical work performed and results is sum up here:
Models & test procedures
• The Reduced Order Models of the mechanical properties of the materials developed in WP3 has been obtained and analyzed.
• The Finite Element calculation of the original blade according to load conditions obtained in WP1 has been analyzed and the most critical sections has been located.
• The SLS test campaign has been completed. Fatigue characterization has been started.
• Different modules of the Qblade are used to obtain the different performance characteristics of the Magallanes turbine for varying tidal velocities and for varying turbulent intensities.
• Establishment of a modified accelerated ageing procedure for composite material immersed in sea water based on the characterization of samples to assess the ageing status of composite material after artificial (laboratory accelerated ageing test) and natural ageing (in harshlab buoy and Pasaia port).
• Method for cavitation erosion testing using sonotrode described
• Test rig for blade testing at SSPA cavitation tunnel was designed and tested
• Two AFC designs were tested on constant cross-sectional profiles
• LDV (Laser Doppler Velecometry) were used to capture the flow field created by the rotating blades.
Blade design
• Compared the results of Magallanes simulations with ALM-URANS/LES results for varying external pitch (for new/bi-directional blades)
• The internal structure of the new blades was achieved with the collaboration of a specialist subcontractor, Aeroblade, as there was no partner in the consortium that had this expertise.
• The length of the blades was expanded in order to increase the swept area and therefore increase the annual energy production (AEP). This will maximize the energy generation in areas where there are low-speed currents, and therefore reducing the LCOE for tidal energy.
New materials for blades
• 12 formulations were mechanically characterized, and 2 formulations were selected as the best one regarding mechanical properties improvement: 0.5% Carbon Nanotubes ref CS1-25 and 2,5% impact modifier XT100 (until +15% for tensile max stress at +/-45° and +25% for ILSS)
• More the 50 composites plates with or without fillers were manufactured by infusion process for partners (DCU, FUNDITEC, TECNALIA, ITA INNOVA)
• Optimization of carbon nanoparticles (CNT, graphene, carbon black) dispersion processes and different mixing procedures with additional materials before and after coating the glass fabrics
• Chemical modification of nano-complexes to promote dispersability, wetting and covalent bonds formation with the resin
Demonstration
• Some Downscaled blades (1:38) were manufactured to perform cavitation test in SSPA’s tunnel and validate LES model developed by Technion.
• A novel sea platform is being designed by DCU to allow for dynamic testing of novel material solution in realistic marine conditions.
• Accelerated test procedures were designed and samples were exposed in real environment sites at Tecnalia.
Cross-cutting activities
• Further development and completion of the Life Cycle Inventory, including (1) components manufacturing; (2) installation; (3) operation and maintenance; and (4) end of life stages.
• The materials forming the components and subcomponents of the NEMMO device were identified and quantified in terms of mass (tonnes) and cost (€).
• LCA ongoing (preliminary LCA results for the blades, mooring and cable systems for the manufacturing phase).
Exploitation, communication & dissemination
• Project results have been presented at major ocean energy events, e.g. OEE’s annual industry conference, International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE 2021), and European Wave & Tidal Energy Conference (EWTEC2021).
• A full draft of Technology Development and Exploitation Roadmap (D7.4) has been circulated to partners for review.
• 1 open access publication (2 in total since launched, 14 media/online mentions, 11 social media posts and 116 followers. Presentation & dissemination at 2 key industry events. 1838 visits to project website.
