TIGER research set to improve quality of tidal turbine blades

Le Havre Normandy University is carrying out a study at the Paimpol-Bréhat tidal test site which could contribute to the improvement of the quality of tidal turbine blades as part of the EU-backed cross-border Tidal Stream Industry Energiser Project (TIGER).

Le Havre Normandy University is conducting a study on the in-situ ageing of structural bonding of composite materials using non-destructive ultrasonic methods (NDT ultrasound).

The materials studied are conventional carbon-epoxy composite and recyclable composite based on recyclamine, TIGER project developers informed.

Samples were immersed at the Paimpol-Bréhat tidal turbine test site on 3 June 2021 and some will be periodically taken, analysed, and compared with reference samples.

To quantify the damage levels as a function of in-situ ageing time, the measurements will be compared with the results from a rheological model (finite element methods).

The objective of this work is to improve the understanding of ageing phenomena in a hostile environment, both in terms of the material and the quality of the adhesion, and thus contribute to improving the quality of tidal turbine blades and minimising manufacturing costs.

The work is the result of a collaboration between the Le Havre Normandy University, in charge of the study, SEENEOH, which designed and manufactured the submerged structure containing the samples, and EDF, the concessionaire of the Paimpol-Brehat site, which helped with the access to the site and administrative authorisations.

Paimpol-Bréhat represents one of the key tidal test sites of TIGER project, as it is located at the heart of the France Channel Manche England (FCE) area, and plays a pivotal role for advancing the tidal stream energy sector in France.

The €45.4 million TIGER project, Interreg’s biggest ever project to date, is a cross-border partnership between 18 UK and French organisations set out to develop, test and further demonstrate tidal stream technologies at selected tidal sites across the English Channel area.