Research Portal
Displaying 1 – 10 of 12 results
The Vectron2 Project: Turbulence Measurements for the In-stream Tidal Energy Industry
March 2019 – November 2021
The Vectron is a new sensor used for measuring turbulence velocity within a tidal turbine’s swept area. The Vectron has been successfully prototyped, where next steps are to take the technology to the ‘industry-ready’ stage of development and the focus of this project.
Going with the Flow II: Using Drifters to Address Uncertainties in the Spatial Variation of Tidal Flows
October 2017 – June 2018
Drifters are one of the oldest, simplest and most reliable methods for measuring ocean currents. Drifters also provide a simple, low risk platform from which to gather acoustic information along flow streamlines or ‘drift tracks’.
Turbulence Dissipation Rates from Horizontal Velocity Profiles at Mid-Depth in Fast Tidal Flows
December 2017
This study characterizes the turbulence in a tidal channel in the Bay of Fundy that has been identified for development as a tidal power resource.
Going with the Flow: Advancement of Drifting Platforms for use in Tidal Energy Site Assessment & Environmental Monitoring
April 2015 – August 2017
This research project aimed to apply a simple and low cost philosophy to ocean observation by developing an inexpensive low-profile surface drifter for use in initial assessment of potential tidal energy development opportunities. The project addressed limitations in the existing drifter design
Drones and Drifters – The Great Pumpkin Race
October 2016 – July 2017
This project tested and developed a new low-cost approach to collecting oceanographic measurements for use in tidal initial site assessments. The plan combines one of the oldest tools in oceanography, the drifter, with one of the newest, the drone.
High-Resolution Numerical Model Resource Assessment of Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy
January 2017
Two numerical models developed by the Acadia Tidal Energy Institute are described. The models simulate the tidal flow in the Bay of Fundy, and in particular the Minas Passage. The models have different grid resolution, one suitable for site assessment and one suitable for resource assessment.
Turbulent Scale and Wake Modeling on a Horizontal Axis Turbine
January – April 2015
This project aimed to accurately simulate turbulent flow over a scaled horizontal axis tidal turbine to resolve turbulence in the near and far field regions.
Turbulence and Bottom Stress in Minas Passage and Grand Passage
September 2011 – February 2015
This project aimed to investigate turbulence and bottom stress at two sites being targeted for in-stream tidal power development in Nova Scotia: Minas Passage in the Upper Bay of Fundy and Grand Passage, located between Brier and Long Island in the lower Bay of Fundy.
Seasonal Erodibility of Sediment in the Upper Bay of Fundy
February 2012 – January 2015
This project developed methods for studying sedimentation to the macro-tidal flats of the upper Bay of Fundy. The researchers looked at seasonal variation in the erodibility of sediments in tidal creeks and flats using a Gust Erosion Chamber and repeated grain size surveys.
Turbulence and Drag in a High Reynolds Number Tidal Passage Targeted for In-Stream Tidal Power
August 2013
Results are presented from an investigation of turbulence and bottom drag carried out in Grand Passage, lower Bay of Fundy.