Atlantis is first to use Narec’s onshore tidal energy testing facility

Atlantis Resources has completed the first ever tidal turbine testing programme at the National Renewable Energy Centre’s (Narec) 3MW capacity, onshore, turbine drive train testing facility.

In two weeks of full testing on its AR1000 turbine, the international marine energy developer has secured performance data equivalent to four months of tidal exchanges.

Atlantis’ engineers ran a series of tests designed to yield data on drive train efficiency, control system validation and the analysis of the thermal properties of major components under full electrical load.

‘We’ve learned an awful lot about the AR1000 turbine as a result of this testing programme,’ said Tim Cornelius, CEO at Atlantis.

‘Most importantly, the solid performance of the turbine in tough, simulated offshore conditions has given our engineering team confidence in the performance, integrity and reliability of the AR1000 turbine system.

‘Narec testing is an important step in our engineering process. Our team and all of our technology contractors will now take time to review and digest the data collected, which will feed into future design considerations. As we move towards customer delivery, we plan to continue to invest in both onshore and offshore testing.’

Tony Quinn, Operations Director at Narec, added, ‘Accelerated life tests, conducted from the relative sanctuary of an onshore test facility, will significantly advance the development cycle for tidal turbines and give developers in the UK a real edge as the marine energy industry approaches commercialisation.’

In May, Narec launched a procurement process as it sought to identify partners for the build out of the 100MW Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration site.

The site, just off the coast of Northumberland, is the largest demonstration site in the UK and is now in a position to leverage the additional investment that it hopes will make it the key proving ground for novel and cost reducing technologies.

 

Source: NewNet
Story from: http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/investor-news/renewable-energy-news/by-region/europe/atlantis-is-first-to-use-narecs-onshore-tidal-energy-testing-facility.html

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