Researchers finalize tidal data gathering in Washington state

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the University of Washington researchers have concluded tidal turbulence data gathering project in two Washington state waterways.

The research was conducted at the Bellingham Channel and Rosario Strait as part of the US Energy Department-funded Advanced Turbulence Measurements Project.

Researchers recently retrieved buoys which recorded water velocity and turbulence measurements that will be used to validate models and facilitate device loads estimates from device simulation tools, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

Also, the data gathered will assist industry in making better siting decisions, DOE said, while at the same time maximizing device efficiency and lowering the cost.

The research team will continue the project by deploying measurement buoys in Kodiak Island, Alaska, and Fort Bragg, California, in September 2017, DOE informed.