List of WP3 documents
The main aim of this work package is to provide a comparison and protocol of measurement techniques and terminology within the cross border region. A comprehensive baseline of marine energy resource data will be developed for the cross border region of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and Finistère. This will largely incorporate existing information, but will also include the collection of new data where gaps are identified. This action will also look at the technical issues of testing, anchoring and operation of marine energy devices, focussing in particular on the potential challenges that may be faced in peripheral and island communities.
Task 3.1 Resource assessment and mapping
This action will explore the development and sharing of best practices with regard to mapping and measurement of tidal and wave energy resources. This will include the innovative use of HF radar to assess wave and current resource. A resource map including HF radar, bathymetry, buoy, digital and oceanographic modeling will be made off the Scilly Islands and the PNMI, bringing together existing and new data. This information will be presented through a GIS database which will also show the constraints faced by the border regions. This information will be crucial to inform developers of the areas with most potential for marine renewable energy.
Task 3.2: Literature review of environmental impacts
This task will provide a comprehensive analysis of existing literature concerning marine renewables and biodiversity and will represent a distillation of the current state of knowledge. The report will provide future directions for research particularly where existing knowledge is weak. The report will assist implementation of wave energy converters, and the industry in general, by highlighting areas where more focused scientific investigation is required to either mitigate impacts or further enhance beneficial effects. Furthermore, the task output may identify where monitoring efforts can be streamlined and hence reduce the financial, logistical and technical constraints placed upon developers.
Task 3.3: Transfer and development of skills on environmental assessment
Since 2008, PRIMaRE has been undertaking a broad ranging and detailed assessment of the potential effects of wave energy extraction on biodiversity. Considerable expertise, knowledge and experience have been gained during work at Wave Hub, off the Cornish coast, which presents a unique opportunity for knowledge transfer to the island communities of the Isles of Scilly and Le Parc naturel marin d’Iroise. These island archipelagos are situated in high energy environments and there is potential for considerable financial incentives, yet these regions typical host ecologically complex and sensitive habitats. A thorough understanding of ecological connectivity and the effects of wave energy extraction on local and regional biodiversity is crucial, particularly given that these habitats provide important ecosystem goods and services, as well as cultural identity to local economies.
This action will develop a joint work programme to assess the relative abundance of marine mammals and mapping seaweeds fields, specific habitats (with protected species for instance) birds nesting areas and “migration lanes” (risk for wind farms). The programme will help planners to measure the potential impact of MRE development and to facilitate the selection of a site, protecting fragile ecosystems.
Task 3.4: Test facilities
Test facilities, commissioning and full scale test sites provide the basic platform for testing and investigation the affect of devices, sub components, installation methodologies, scientific instruments, monitoring systems for both technical and non-technical aspects. The availability of test facilities within the local regions and their commercial availability are key aspects as well as the implementation of tank test procedures for MRE will be key to provide R&D support. The identification of the characteristic performance of the localised facilities and development of best test/model practises will be necessary to inform businesses and cross-border researchers. Commissioning and full scale test sites are key to overcome barriers hindering the establishment of MRE. The development of best practises for these test procedures will inform and enhance the MRE community and businesses willing to engage in commercial development aspects mentioned above.
Numerical modelling is a key support tools in the identification of technical principle and provide a cost effective design tools. The realisation of MRE installations and in particular the design of such devices requires the identification of applicable numerical tools.
Task 3.5: Dynamic behaviour of marine energy devices
The understanding of the dynamic behaviour of a MRE device to allow power extraction and survivability is key for technology development. In both the UK and France, complementary research is undergoing that can be used to provide information towards technology developments required for the successful implementation of localised MRE extraction. It is envisaged to use the capacity on both sites to provide information related to dynamic behaviours of MRE devices that should lead to testing and development of specific station keeping components. In particular the application of synthetic fibre ropes will be addressed to overcome the extreme motion characteristics in the highly non-linear environment, and to inform the market of the suitability of such materials.
Task 3.6 Installation, Maintenance and Operation procedures
In order to understand the economical viability of MRE projects an understanding of needs during installation, maintenance and operation is required. A key area within this will to establish requirements for MRE installations. Each category has an important affect to the successful implementation of a project dependent on localised infrastructure and environmental conditions. Installation and operation procedures will be investigated, considering weather windows, resource availability and best practices. Maintenance requirements will also be identified particularly with respect to reliability, survivability and inspection intervals.
