Design, Deployment, and Analysis of the Ecospray Tidal Platform
Verifying Dynamic Analysis Techniques for Floating Tidal Platforms
Overview
The ecoSPRAY tidal energy test platform was developed as part of the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) EcoEnergy Innovation Initiative (EcoEII) research project entitled “Reducing the cost of in-stream tidal energy through comprehensive site assessment.” The project led by Dr. Richard Karsten of Acadia University is focused on tidal energy site assessment using numerical models and innovative monitoring methods.
In support of the project, the ecoSPRAY platform was collaboratively designed and built by DSA and local suppliers Clare Machine Works (Meteghan, NS) and Bear River Plastics (Cornwallis, NS). DSA equipped the platform with state of the art instrumentation to measure motion, mooring line loads, and wind speeds along with current and wave conditions. The platform was fitted with a drag plate to simulate the thrust created by an underwater turbine.