Another successful tidal deployment
Spanish tidal turbine company Magallanes has successfully deployed its floating turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), supported by the EU-funded Marinet project. The 1:10 scale ‘ATIR’ prototype was installed on EMEC’s Shapinsay Sound test site.
Magallanes has been developing their concept since 2007, already having trialled previous prototypes in test tank and river conditions. The Magallanes Project decided to test their 1:10 scale model at EMEC as a first step towards testing in the next year of a full-scale prototype – 42 meters in length and 350 tonnes in weight – currently in construction.
Marinet (the Marine Renewables Infrastructure Network), was formed to accelerate the development of marine renewable energy by bringing together world-class testing facilities to offer EU-funded testing. The aim of Marinet is to progress research and development at all scales – from small models and laboratory tests through to prototype scales and open sea trials. EMEC is a partner in the initiative which has brought together 28 partners spanning 12 countries and offers access to 42 marine testing facilities covering all scales.
By Jake Frith