InToTidal Project
The Integrated Solution for offshore Tocardo Tidal power plants (InToTidal) project focuses on delivering cost effective installation and service methods for tidal energy.
Phase 1 of the InToTidal project aimed to develop and demonstrate the Tocardo Floating Tidal Platform (TFS). The surface-based floating foundation enabled low-cost easy access to the tidal turbines for maintenance with all installation and service operations being undertaken by small readily available vessels.
January 2017 saw the beginning of operations for the TFS installation with successful drag tests and site surveys, followed shortly after by mooring installations. In March 2017, the TFS was installed at EMEC’s Fall of Warness Tidal Test Site along with cable lay and splice operations. The TFS successfully proved the seaworthiness of the turbines following a range of testing campaigns at the test site in extreme conditions. On completion of testing, the TFS was recovered from site in late December 2017, and the site was cleared early 2018.
As part of the project, EMEC designed a bespoke acoustic survey capable of measuring the acoustic emissions of a series of marine works across a range of spatial scales. The survey was designed to allow the accurate measurement of the baseline soundscape of the site, and the peak and averaged noise levels of the marine operations, as well as to provide some information about the propagation of the sounds produced throughout the site. The survey design will be applicable to a range of other future significant marine operations at EMEC during which the measurement of noise is important.
Phase 2 of the InToTidal project focused on delivering cost effective installation and service methods for tidal energy through:
- Design and fabrication of low-cost rock anchor drill rig
- Installing and validating low-cost anchoring systems
- Utilising experience and knowledge to develop large scale implementation methods