28 January 2016, BAWA, Filton
This fourth EIS meeting aimed to highlight recent advances in fatigue and durability assessment for renewable energy structures, building on events in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
The relevance of these events relates to the continual increase of energy supply from renewable sources in the UK, Europe and worldwide. On Sunday 17th of August 2014 a record high of 22% of the UK’s electricity supply was generated by wind. In other EU countries such as Germany, Spain and Denmark the record is approximately double that. Building on this demand the size of the individual offshore prototype production machines is now exceeding the 10MW rated energy. Almost at the same time, secured funding for the 6MW first phase of the world’s largest commercial tidal energy production in the north of Scotland was announced.
These new challenges require enhanced design for integrity and reliability that is based on established and new practices. The 4th EIS WWT conference aimed to provide a platform for the discussion of current technological developments in this area. The event speakers were drawn from companies in this sector, as well as from experienced professionals and academic researchers working with emerging technologies in theoretical assessment of renewable structures.
Presenters:
Dual-Axis Fatigue Testing of Large Wind Turbine Blades – Peter Greaves, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult – Abstract
Advances in Component Reliability Testing for Offshore Renewable Energy – Dr Philipp Thies & Dr Peter Halswell, University of Exeter – Abstract
Tidal Foundation Selection – Rory Sinclair, Ramboll – Abstract
The role of Structural Redundancy for planning Offshore and Marine Renewable Energy Inspection Strategies – Prof Feargal Brennan, University of Cranfield – Abstract
Remote monitoring of in-service bolt tension – Prof Jarek Rosinski, Transmission Dynamics – Abstract
Offshore Wind Structures – Gambling With Grout: Worth the Risk? – Dr Chris Golightly, Geotechnical and Engineering Geology Consultant – Abstract
The use of fibre-optic sensors for in-service structural monitoring of tidal energy turbines – Robert Knapp, Epsilon Optics Ltd – Abstract
Fatigue Modelling of Large Composite Wind Turbine Blades – Oscar Castro, Department of Wind Energy, Technical University of Denmark – Abstract
Gearbox Life in Wind and Tidal Turbines: Solutions and Novel Monitoring Techniques – Prof Jonathan Wheals & James Packer, Ricardo – Abstract
Authors: J.Wheals, J.Packer (Ricardo UK), Ramon Fuentes, Tom Bruce(University of Sheffield)
Risk Based Approach to Demonstration of a Novel Wave Energy Convertor – Charles Taylor, Quoceant – Abstract
A Design for Reliability Methodology for Tidal Turbine Devices – Roy Browett, Ricardo UK Ltd/Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult – Abstract
Thanks to NAREC for their permission to use the photograph at the top of the page.