The Effects of Realistic Tidal Flows on the Performance and Structural Integrity of Tidal Stream Turbines

Tidal stream turbines must survive the violent, chaotic churn of real ocean currents, not just the smooth flows of a laboratory tank. This project tests how extreme conditions—turbulence, waves, and shifting seabed forces—affect the performance and structural integrity of these underwater generators, whether installed alone or in arrays. The gap is that current design standards rely on simplified flow models, leaving operators uncertain how devices will hold up over decades of deployment. If successful, the research will give turbine manufacturers concrete data to optimise blade shapes, mooring systems, and array layouts for specific sea conditions. It will also deliver a remote monitoring system that tracks structural fatigue and energy output in real time, allowing operators to adjust operations to maximise lifespan and economic return. For electricity suppliers, this means more predictable costs from tidal power. For the grid, it means a renewable source that can be integrated with confidence. The project also assesses environmental impact, ensuring that turbine placement does not disrupt seabed habitats or coastal processes—a practical constraint that often blocks deployment.