Scottish engineers have successfully manufactured a “state-of-the-art” tidal turbine blade that reduces material requirements, resulting in a lighter and more cost-effective blade.
The design was developed by engineers from the University of Edinburgh.
The development is expected to contribute to a reduction in the levelised cost of tidal energy.
The project was conducted at FastBlade, which is recognised as the world’s first rapid testing facility for tidal turbine blades.
Located in Rosyth, Fife, Scotland, FastBlade is at the forefront of this pioneering development.
Dr Eddie McCarthy, the leader of FastBlade at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, said: “We have found a faster, cheaper route to manufacture than the usual tidal blade fabrication process, based on an altered design – we hope the combination of improved design and optimised manufacturing process will contribute to reducing the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of tidal stream energy, with the long term goal of matching LCOE of offshore wind.”
Lead design Engineer Professor Dilum Fernando said: “This is the first time this type of structure has been used in blade manufacturing. Its monolithic structure eliminates the weaker adhesive joints found in conventional rotor blades, which will make it more resilient to tidal stream conditions.”
