Marine farming of aquaculture is one of the fastest growing industries in New Zealand and requires a resilient supply of clean and cheap electrical energy. Tidal energy conversion has great potential for supplying New Zealand’s current and future energy needs, including the marine farming industry, and provides an opportunity to grow New Zealand’s economy.
Previously, there have been attempts to use solar energy for aquafarming needs, however, the cost-effectiveness has been inconsistent and solar panels required frequent maintaining and replacing. Tidal energy is a more continual source of energy and have much higher energy density compared to solar. Shellfish aquafarms in New Zealand are typically located at marine sites with high tidal energy potential (average tidal flow more than 1 m/s) that makes tidal energy harvesting an ideal option for shellfish aquafarms. The project involves three shellfish aquafarms as industrial partners. The companies agreed to provide access to their consented marine sites and aquafarming infrastructure for ocean testing of the developed tidal energy device.
The aim of the project is to perform theoretical and experimental testing of a concept design of a tidal energy converter compatible with conventional floating structures used in marine farming. The converter includes an underwater turbine and a generator. Shape of the turbine blades and mechanical (gear) connection of the turbine to the generator are to be designed and optimised. CFD analysis will be performed in the theoretical study, followed by extensive laboratory and ocean testing of the developed device.
Undergraduate
Prototype of a tidal energy converter tested at the industrial partner marine site
Theoretical background in dynamics of fluids and structures (MECHENG 325 and similar)
Experience in Matlab and/or ANSYS
Mechatronics Research (405.822, Lab)