Lir-National Ocean Test Facility
TA79 – UCC-Lir NOTF
Location
Lir-NOTF Beaufort Building – University College Cork Haulbowline Rd Ringaskiddy Co. Cork
P43 – C573 Cork, Ireland
Description
Lir is Ireland’s National Ocean Test Facility. Based in Ringaskiddy, Cork, Lir NOTF consists of state-of-the-art wave tanks and electrical test infrastructure that allow scaled testing of marine devices and their integration to the grid in a controlled environment. The scale and scope of testing cannot be found in a single location elsewhere.
Deep Ocean Basin
35m x 12m x 3m deep
It has a movable floor plate to allow the water depth to be adjusted, making it suitable for circa. 1/15 scale operational conditions and 1/50 scale survival waves. Equipped with 16 hinged force feedback paddles capable of a peak wave generation condition of Hs = 0.6m, Tp = 2.7s and Hmax = 1.1m.
Ocean Basin
25m x 18m x 1m deep
They are used for testing a variety of marine structures (wave energy convertors, floating wind platforms, coastal structures). It has the capacity for adding a 2.5m deep section, and it can produce real and simulated sea states. The wave generation peaks at Hs = 0.16m, Tp = 1.4s and Hmax = 0.32m.
Wave & Current Flume
28m x 3m x 1m deep
A multi-purpose facility with the capability of running separate and combined unidirectional wave and current tests. It has 8 hinged force feedback paddles with adjustable height positioning and three thrusters for generating current speeds of greater than 1m/s. The wave generation peaks at Hs = 0.16m, Tp = 1.5s and Hmax = 0.35m. It is fitted with a towing carriage that can operate at speeds up to 1.5m/s.
Wave Watch Flume
15m x 0.75m x 1m deep
A glass-sided flume with a single wave flap for wave generation. It is used to provide students with an introduction to tank testing and device concept development and stability testing of coastal structures.
Microgrid
Dual-bus, 3 phase, <600V line to line, islanded or parallel operation with local grid.
Generation, storage, and load elements, including fully controllable high-frequency switched power converters, can be added to the Microgrid to build up a wide variety of test configurations. System control is provided by industry-standard Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), while high-speed data acquisition is offered by NI cRIO system. An Opal-RT power hardware in the loop system provides grid emulation capabilities.
Linear PTO Test Rig
Rated values, 20kW, 15kN, 0.9m/s, 1.8m/s2, stroke length 0.9m
This ¼ scale linear electromechanical test rig has been built to emulate the linear motion induced by the waves. The system is controlled using an industrial standard PLC and HMI to ensure the safety of equipment and personnel. The facility is located at Lir-NOTF Beaufort Building at the Environmental Research Institute University College Cork Haulbowline Rd Ringaskiddy Co. Cork.
Testing Capabilities
This programme offers users free-of-charge access to the research and testing facilities of Lir-NOTF. The test facilities include a multidirectional wave basin, wave/current flume, wave flume and wave basin, and an electrical laboratory facility. The range of facilities available provides potential users with the capability to test technology relating to offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy, as well as electrical and grid integration and cross-cutting technologies.
Applicants are required to download and complete the Application Form. Information is required regarding the affiliation of the user(s), the choice of infrastructure and the proposed period of access (maximum two weeks or equivalent value). Detailed information is required regarding the proposed work, the test plan, the technical requirements, and the anticipated outcomes. Discussions between the applicant and the facility manager are mandatory during the application phase to ensure the facility is suitable for the proposed testing and to fine-tune the application. It should be noted that all information provided will be managed according to GDPR guidelines.
long with the tanks and electrical equipment listed above, we offer the following instrumentation.
- Motion Capture system -Qualisys track manager overhead and underwater.
- Various size Load Cells.
- Wave height recording.
- Current Speed and turbulence recording.
- Class 4 Laser for particulate flow around submerged objects.
- Hexapod for forced oscillations.
- Software in the Loop wind generation (Multi-Propeller Actuator).
- Software in the Loop current generation.
- Towing bridge.
- Pressure sensors.
- Strain Gauges, Accelerometers, 3D printing and various other options.
Technical Equipment
Lir-NOTF is a multi-use facility that can cater for most Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) needs. Along with the tanks and electrical equipment listed above, we offer the following instrumentation is offered.
- Motion Capture system -Qualisys track manager overhead and underwater
- Various size Load Cells
- Wave height recording
- Current Speed and turbulence recording
- Class 4 Laser for particulate flow around submerged objects
- Hexapod for forced oscillations
- Software in the Loop wind generation (Multi-Propeller Actuator)
- Software in the Loop current generation
- Towing bridge
- Pressure sensors
- Strain Gauges, Accelerometers, 3D printing and various other options
In addition, Lir-NOTF offers developers data analysis, report creation and consultancy services, with fully functional instrumentation and mechanical workshops for model building and maintenance.
Additional information
Technology Readiness Level: 1-3
Special considerations: Non-disclosure agreement (NDA) required and IP protection measures in place.
Technology clusters: Energy Storage, Integrated Grids, Ocean Energy, Offshore Wind, Others
Website: https://www.lir-notf.com/
Availability: Year round (except 2 weeks at Christmas and New year).
Provision of tools to prepare data sets in a FAIR way: Yes
