ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9701-879X
Current Organisation
The University of Edinburgh
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-07-2020
DOI: 10.3390/DATA5030061
Abstract: Acoustic Doppler Profilers (ADPs) are routinely used to measure flow velocity in the ocean, enabling multi-points measurement along a profile while Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters (ADVs) are laboratory instruments that provide very precise point velocity measurement. The experimental set-up allows laboratory comparison of measurement from these two instruments. Simultaneous multi-point measurements of velocity along the horizontal tank profile from Single-Beam Acoustic Doppler Profiler (SB-ADP) were compared against multiple co-located point measurements from an ADV. Measurements were performed in the FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility at the University of Edinburgh at flow velocities between 0.6 ms − 1 and 1.2 ms − 1 . This paper describes the data the analysis of the inter-instrument comparison is presented in an associated Sensors paper by the same authors. This data-set contains (a) time series of raw SB-ADP uni-directional velocity measurements along a 10 m tank profile binned into 54 measurements cells and (b) ADV point measurements of three-directional velocity time series recorded in beam coordinates at selected locations along the profile. Associated with the data are instrument generated quality data, metadata and user-derived quality flags. An analysis of the quality of SB-ADP data along the profile is presented. This data-set provides multiple contemporaneous velocity measurements along the tank profile, relevant for correlation statistics, length-scale calculations and validation of numerical models simulating flow hydrodynamics in circular test facilities.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-08-2021
DOI: 10.3390/JMSE9090946
Abstract: The EU H2020 MaRINET2 project has a goal to improve the quality, robustness and accuracy of physical modelling and associated testing practices for the offshore renewable energy sector. To support this aim, a round robin scale physical modelling test programme was conducted to deploy a common wave energy converter at four wave basins operated by MaRINET2 partners. Test c aigns were conducted at each facility to a common specification and test matrix, providing the unique opportunity for intercomparison between facilities and working practices. A nonproprietary hinged raft, with a nominal scale of 1:25, was tested under a set of 12 irregular sea states. This allowed for an assessment of power output, hinge angles, mooring loads, and six-degree-of-freedom motions. The key outcome to be concluded from the results is that the facilities performed consistently, with the majority of variation linked to differences in sea state calibration. A variation of 5–10% in mean power was typical and was consistent with the variability observed in the measured significant wave heights. The tank depth (which varied from 2–5 m) showed remarkably little influence on the results, although it is noted that these tests used an aerial mooring system with the geometry unaffected by the tank depth. Similar good agreement was seen in the heave, surge, pitch and hinge angle responses. In order to maintain and improve the consistency across laboratories, we make recommendations on characterising and calibrating the tank environment and stress the importance of the device–facility physical interface (the aerial mooring in this case).
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-06-2020
DOI: 10.3390/DATA5030057
Abstract: Hydrodynamic forces are an important input value for the design, navigation and station keeping of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The experiment investigated the forces imparted by currents (with representative real world turbulence) and waves on a commercially available ROV, namely the BlueROV2 (Blue Robotics, Torrance, USA). Three different distances of a simplified cylindrical obstacle (shading effects) were investigated in addition to the free stream cases. Eight tethers held the ROV in the middle of the 2 m water depth to minimise the influence of the support structure without completely restricting the degrees of freedom (DoF). Each tether was equipped with a load cell and small motions and rotations were documented with an underwater video motion capture system. The paper describes the experimental set-up, input values (current speed and wave definitions) and initial processing of the data. In addition to the raw data, a processed dataset is provided, which includes forces in all three main coordinate directions for each mounting point synchronised with the 6DoF results and the free surface elevations. The provided dataset can be used as a validation experiment as well as for testing and development of an algorithm for position control of comparable ROVs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-09-2021
DOI: 10.3390/JMSE9090971
Abstract: Marine renewable energy (MRE) is still an emerging technology. As such, there is still a lack of mature standards and guidance for the development and testing of these devices. The sector covers a wide range of disciplines, so there is a need for more comprehensive guidance to cover these. This paper builds on a study undertaken in the MaRINET2 project to summarise recommendations and guidance for testing MRE devices and components, by reviewing the recently published guidance. Perceived gaps in the guidance are then discussed, expanding on the previous study. Results from an industry survey are also used to help quantify and validate these gaps. The main themes identified can be summarised as: the development progression from concept to commercialisation, including more complex environmental conditions in testing, accurately modelling and quantifying the power generated, including grid integration, plus modelling and testing of novel moorings and foundation solutions. A pathway to a standardised approach to MRE testing is presented, building on recommendations learnt from the MaRINET2 round-robin testing, showing how these recommendations are being incorporated into the guidance and ultimately feeding into the development of international standards for the marine renewable energy sector.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-07-2020
DOI: 10.3390/S20143881
Abstract: Harnessing the energy of tidal currents has huge potential as a source of clean renewable energy. To do so in a reliable and cost effective way, it is critical to understand the interaction between tidal turbines, waves, and turbulent currents in the ocean. Scaled testing in a tank test provides a controlled, realistic, and highly reproducible down-scaled open ocean environment, and it is a key step in gaining this understanding. Knowledge of the hydrodynamic conditions during tests is critical and measurements at multiple locations are required to accurately characterise spatially varying flow in test tank facilities. The paper presents a laboratory technique using an acoustic velocimetry instrument, the range over-which measurements are acquired being more akin to open water applications. This enables almost simultaneous multi-point measurements of uni-directional velocity along a horizontal profile. Velocity measurements have been obtained from a horizontally mounted Single Beam Acoustic Doppler (SB-ADP) profiler deployed in the FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility at the University of Edinburgh. These measurements have been statistically compared with point measurements obtained while using a co-located Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV). Measurements were made with both instruments under flow velocities varying from 0.6 ms−1 to 1.2 ms−1, showing that flow higher than 1 ms−1 was more suitable. Using a SB-ADP has shown the advantage of gaining 54 simultaneous measurement points of uni-directional velocity, covering a significant area with a total distance of 10 m of the test-tank, at a measurement frequency of 16 Hz. Of those measurement points, 41 were compared with co-located ADV measurements covering 8 m of the profile for a tank nominal flow velocity of 0.8 ms−1, and four distributed locations were chosen to to carry out the study at 0.6 ms−1, 1.0 ms−1, and 1.2 ms−1. The comparison with the ADV measurement showed a 2% relative bias on average.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Roman Gabl.