Remote River Energy System: Field trial experiments in a tidal estuary

Abstract

A micro-grid renewable energy system with multiple types of generation is more reliable than a single source of supply. Underutilised potential sources of energy include rivers and tidal estuaries. Here we show field trial results from an open source river turbine suitable for power generation in remote locations worldwide.

This was the first tidal energy test carried out at the new Marine Energy Test Area in Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK, achieving Technology Readiness Level 5. The turbine and mechanical water pump power take off design were previously published, describing a low cost design that could be used for electrical generation or for direct use as a water pump. Further development of the design to provide additional measurement capability and improved utility as a research and test platform is described here, along with summaries of the design process, structured test programme and costs incurred during the process.

Operational and environmental data was successfully collected for both laboratory and field tests. The results show that the device was capable of operating in real world flow conditions at or slightly below its design optimum tip speed ratio but conditions on site did not permit testing up to the full design rating of the turbine. Some sensors failed to function or failed to function reliably, and the limitations this places on analysis of these results is highlighted. CAD drawings, other design documents and field data collected are available under an open-source licence to facilitate others to use the design presented here.