Performance evaluation and modelling of the Atir marine current turbine

Abstract

In this study, the behaviour of a full-size prototype of a platform for tidal energy was analysed. The turbine of this platform is formed by two counter-rotating rotors aligned with the tidal current, such that one rotor is always under the wake of the upstream rotor. The platform was tested under real working conditions; the tidal current was emulated by towing. The results of these tests were used to develop and parameterize a turbine model, which is presented in this paper. The turbine was modelled in terms of power, torque, and thrust coefficients. This model was used to estimate the power curve of the platform and design control strategies that, in addition to maximizing energy production, contribute to the stability of the platform.