Demonstration of innovative rotor, blades and control systems for tidal energy devices

There is a need for further technology investigation and demonstration for improved reliability and efficiency of tidal turbine rotor and blades, including control and condition monitoring systems. Failure in a blade can create long downtimes, for instance blade edges can erode rapidly, facilitating water ingress, accelerating fatigue and the risk of failure. There are different blade solutions under development in terms of shape and material. Improving the seaworthiness of rotor and blades will reduce the likelihood of failure, reduced annual energy production and increases in operating costs.

The proposal is expected to:

• Demonstrate innovative rotor and blade solutions including condition monitoring systems for tidal energy devices in real sea conditions for long periods of time (12-24 months) providing invaluable learnings regarding performance, reliability, availability, maintainability, survivability and environmental impact.
• Apply high performance computing and digitalisation (e.g. data processing, machine learning and data analytics methods for implementation in data driven design, digital twins and control and monitoring for O&M).

The selected projects are expected to contribute and participate to the activities of the project BRIDGE[[https://www.h2020-bridge.eu/]] when relevant.