RESEARCHERS from Scotland and Wales are hoping to revolutionise the marine renewables sector with a new method of measuring tidal currents using drones.
The project, being led by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), will use the aircraft to film the movement of water before applying algorithms to determine its speed.
UHI, along with Swansea and Bangor universities in Wales, hopes the technique will provide a simple and effective way to identify locations for underwater tidal turbines, reducing costs for renewable energy developers and generating opportunities for developing countries.
Tidal stream measurement currently relies on the use of survey vessels or installation of seabed sensors which can be time consuming and expensive.
Dr Benjamin Williamson, from North Highlands College UHI’s Environmental Research Institute in Thurso, is leading the 12-month project, which will see tests in the Pentland Firth and Ramsey Sound in Wales.
He said: “Measuring the flow speed and movement of water is vital for developing offshore renewable energy. These measurements are needed to predict the performance and inform the placement of underwater tidal stream turbines or to optimise the moorings and design of floating turbines ... Our aerial technique offers a cost-effective way to support environmentally-sustainable development of marine renewable energy. It could be used in remote locations and developing countries where suitable survey vessels may not be available or to support community-based approaches to renewable energy generation.”
Dr Iain Fairley, from Swansea University, said: “The project will provide comprehensive validation of drone-based surface current measurements and, importantly, provide a relationship between surface currents and currents at the depths where turbines will be installed. This is crucial to provide developers with the confidence to utilise this cutting-edge tool.”
Dr Jared Wilson, from Marine Scotland Science, added: “By gathering high-resolution hydrodynamic data at offshore renewable energy sites, the project will improve our understanding of the potential effects of such technologies and help ensure that they continue to be delivered in an environmentally sustainable manner.”
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