Nautricity Ltd., the Scottish based, next generation tidal device developer, is in the process of deploying their CoRMat tidal turbine at the world’s largest wave and tidal test centre, EMEC (the Orkneys). During the first half of 2013, the unique Hydro-Buoy system was tested, analysed and optimised. Also, the full scale CoRMaT Turbine, fitted with composite blades was tested at their staging base in Montrose, Schotland.
At this moment (fall 2013), Nautricity Ltd. is in the process of deploying both these technologies simultaneously at EMEC. The complete system is installed for real life testing over the winter period and is expected to generate important data for the next stage of deployment at Nautricity’s tidal site at the Mull of Kintyre, south-west Scotland. The installation of a grid connected full scale contra-rotating CoRMat turbine at the Mull of Kintyre will be the first commercial deployment of a next generation tidal device. The objective is to create a multi MW pilot tidal array shortly thereafter.
The next generation CoRMat turbine is fitted with 1-shot-RTM blades, developed and supplied by Airborne Marine, The Netherlands. These blades are unique, eliminating the need for adhesives and containing embedded inserts in the root area, facilitating a slender blade-root transition and providing optimal blade geometry and performance.
Extensive structural testing of Nautricity’s blades was recently completed. This included fatigue testing, after which a maximum bend test was performed to test both the composite blade and embedded root insert. Both the blade and insert performed better than the design brief, giving both teams in the Netherlands and the UK confidence that their hard work is beginning to pay off.
Airborne wishes the Nautricty team success with the testing program and as the year is nearing its end, we wish Nautricity a great and productive new year 2014!