On the design of a small scale tidal converter for long time deployment at sea

Abstract

A scale model of a kite-like converter of tidal energy, the GEMSTAR, is designed to be installed at sea for a long term deployment. The aim of the experiment is to develope a digital twin with fault detection and isolation capabilities. To this aim, a fully-functional 1:10 scale of GEMSTAR is designed, starting from measurements of tidal currents in the site of installation. Several spots were investigated searching for the most suitable current profile. The paper describes the principal issues concerning operational functions and the choice of the physical parameters to monitor during the deployment through several sensors placed on board. A scale model of a kite-like converter of tidal energy, the GEMSTAR, is designed to be installed at sea for a long term deployment. The aim of the experiment is to develope a digital twin with fault detection and isolation capabilities. To this aim, a fully-functional 1:10 scale of GEMSTAR is designed, starting from measurements of tidal currents in the site of installation. Several spots were investigated searching for the most suitable current profile. The paper describes the principal issues concerning operational functions and the choice of the physical parameters to monitor during the deployment through several sensors placed on board.