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Geo-Marine, Inc. (GMI) conducted an offshore avian radar baseline study for Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) for a wave energy study located northwest of Reedsport, Oregon from 25 August through 29 October 2010. The study was conducted from shore with GMI’s Mobile Avian Radar System (MARS®). The MARS® was equipped with a 3-centimeter (cm) wavelength 50-kilowatt (kW) radar with a 2.5-degree (°) parabolic antenna for horizontal scanning, and a 3-cm, 25-kW radar with an open array antenna for vertical scanning. Diurnal land-based nearshore and diurnal and nocturnal boat-based radar validation surveys were conducted specifically to determine whether the radar could detect birds flying at low attitudes above the water. Comparison between the nearshore and offshore (study area) observer bird passage rates and the nearshore and offshore radar passage rates revealed low correlation between diurnal observations and radar data. The correlation analysis values were all too low (<.307) to develop a correction factor to apply to the radar data. Sea clutter was identified as the limiting factor. When algorithms to reduce false tracks from sea clutter were applied, tracks of real birds were eliminated because they could not be separated from sea clutter false tracks. At present there is no technology known that can accurately remove bird detections from sea clutter. This problem was further magnified in this study because radar visual validation surveys revealed that a major portion of the bird movement both nearshore and offshore occurred at altitudes from 1-30 feet (ft) above sea level. At that altitude it is impossible to separate birds from wind-driven waves and high swells that are common in the study area during fall. The visual validation data documented that the radar was ineffective when birds were flying close to the surface. In addition to providing data to facilitate passage rate comparisons between observer and the radar, the radar validation surveys provided data on bird flight behaviors within and adjacent to ...

To date, academic research relating to Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) has largely focused on resource assessment, technical viability and environmental impact. Experiences from onshore renewable energy tell us that social acceptability is equally critical to project success. However, the specific nature of the marine environment, patterns of resource distribution and governance means experiences from onshore may not be directly applicable to MRE and the marine environment. This paper sets out an agenda for social studies research linked to MRE, identifying key topics for future research: (i) economic impacts; (ii) wealth distribution and community benefits; (iii) communication and knowledge flow; (iv) consultation processes; (v) dealing with uncertainty; (vi) public attitudes; and (vii) planning processes. This agenda is based on the findings of the first workshop of ISSMER, an international research network of social scientists with interests in marine renewable energy. Importantly, this research agenda has been informed by the experiences of developers, regulators and community groups in Orkney. The Orkney archipelago, off the north coast of Scotland, is home to the most intense cluster of MRE research, development and deployment activity in the world today.

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2017-09 ; Instream tidal energy is a form of renewable energy that is at an early stage of development compared to other forms of energy generation. A comparative multiple-case study was conducted to evaluate stakeholder group perceived concerns and benefits about the siting of commercial instream tidal energy projects. Based on their history of experience with instream tidal energy and their dissimilarity of population and grid connectivity Puget Sound, Washington State and Igiugig, Alaska were chosen. Interviews were conducted with key stakeholders in both locations to understand perceptions of project development. Perceived concerns and benefits were ranked; interviews were transcribed and coded to extract themes about project development. Providing local renewable energy, advancing science and technology, and environmental awareness were some of the top perceived benefits of the technology, while negative environmental impacts, conflicts with other uses, and unintended consequences were some of the top perceived concerns of the technology. The two locations varied in the type, number, and complexities of stakeholders involved in project development. Support or opposition about a project was justified by promoting the wellbeing of the affected stakeholders. There was overall more support in smaller communities isolated from municipal power sources, that had a demonstrated need for energy.

The Sea Trial Manual (D4.1) describes the type of operations required to advance an ocean energy conversion device (wave and tide) from an intermediate scaled sub-systems proving machine (circa 1:4) to a full size solo prototype pre-production unit and on towards a pre-commercial device ready for economic evaluation in a small array deployment. This progression covers development Stages 3 to 4 in the 5 Stage development programme on which the EquiMar technical protocols are based. This report aims at providing a methodology for the analysis and presentation of data obtained from sea trials of marine energy converters, according to Annex 1 – Description of Work of the EquiMar project, where task 4.2 is defined. Some slight modifications have been made to the original structure due to re-adjustments in accordance with the on-going research.

The RRES (Remote River Energy System), is an energy converting device that is intended for use in fast flowing rivers for a small amount of electrical energy supply to remote communities. The design comprises a floating platform with a turbine suspended underneath, coupled with a closed loop water pump system and hydro-electric generator. The information published as part of this release includes engineering drawings and documentation detailing the design and operation of the device. This work was supported by the MEECE project funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the UK & Welsh governments through the Swansea Bay City Deal.

Each of the three breakout groups received instructions concerning their objectives along with tools to use. Breakout Group Session 1: Baseline Studies Breakout Group Session 2: Impact/Short Scale Studies Breakout Group Session 3: Monitoring/Cumulative/Long-Term Studies

In this thesis, a Matlab/Simulink®-based simulation tool for marine current turbines has been proposed. A multiphysics approach has been adopted to model the whole system, including the resource, the rotor, the gearbox, and the generator. The developed tool can evaluate a marine current turbine performances and dynamic loads over different operating conditions. Moreover, it should be used to quantify the potential for generating electricity from various sites and therefore evaluate their cost-effectiveness. Currently, the marine current turbine simulator incorporates all types of horizontal-axis turbines. Moreover, it includes two different electrical topologies, one based on the doubly-fed induction generator and the other on the permanent magnet synchronous one. For these two technologies, two types of speed control strategies have been proposed. The first one suggests the use of well-known PI controllers. While, the second one proposes a nonlinear control approach based on the so-called high-order sliding mode that should handle torque oscillation smoothing and robustness against resource turbulences and electric grid disturbances. The various components of the simulator have been tested and experimentally proven in terms of models and speed control performances. The obtained results were consistent and very promising. ; Les travaux développés durant cette thèse, ont permis la mise au point d'un simulateur qui permet de prévoir le comportement d'une hydrolienne dans son environnement. A cet effet, une approche multiphysique a été adoptée pour la modélisation de l'ensemble de la chaîne de conversion d'énergie. L'environnement de simulation ainsi développé peut également être utilisé pour le dimensionnement et l'évaluation de la rentabilité d'installations hydroliennes. A l'heure actuelle, l'outil développé permet de simuler tous les types de turbines à axe horizontal. De plus, il permet de choisir entre deux topologies électriques différentes ; une basée sur la génératrice asynchrone à double alimentation et ...

The objective of this study is to identify potential end-users of the test center and their needs. The findings will inform the infrastructure design and the services offered for the PMEC South Energy Test Site.

Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) is a nonprofit public-private partnership funded by the Oregon Innovation Council. Its mission is to support the responsible development of wave energy in Oregon. OWET emphasizes an inclusive, collaborative model to ensure that Oregon maintains its competitive advantage and maximizes the economic development potential of this emerging industry. Our work includes stakeholder outreach and education, policy development, environmental assessment, applied research and market development.