The Marine Research Group are active collaborators on a number of tidal energy research projects.

The MRG has experience of testing experimental and commercial devices in the tidal flows of Strangford Narrows, Northern Ireland.  Coupled with the numerical modelling of marine energy devices, a comprehensive range of techniques and equipment is available for the development and testing of tidal energy technology.

A range of support equipment and instruments for the investigation of tidal energy devices in the marine environment are available:

ADCPs (Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers), to measure current speed, direction, surface elevation and wave characteristics.

ADVs (Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry), to measure current speed, direction and small scale turbulence with compensation for roll, pitch and yaw.

Experimental Turbines, two surface mounted mono-strut turbines, with integrated data aquistion systems for torque, rotational speed and thrust measurments. Full PTO system with speed or torque control strategy, rated to 1 kW electrical output.

Watch the following video on Youtube: