CNR – Seakeeping Tank “Emilio Castagneto”
TA19 – CNR-ST
Location
Via di Vallerano 139
128 Rome, Italy
Description
Description of the infrastructure:
The ST facility features a 220m long, 9.0m wide and 3.5 m deep wave tank routinely used for testing Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) devices. Waves and winds can be generated using a single flap wave maker and a wind tunnel, and currents can be simulated by towing models. A full range of measuring and data acquisition systems is available and all of them can be easily interfaced with users’ hardware.
Services offered by the infrastructure:
The ST lab has attracted users (academia and industry) from Europe and outside and has been widely used in the framework of collaborative research projects. Tests aimed at providing new knowledge and expertise in current challenges in MRE technologies can be performed. Devices can be tested under combined wave, wind and current forcing conditions, also in complex multi-device platform configurations. Tank dimensions allow to realise platform components at a scale suitable for an accurate characterisation of relevant physics.
Support offered under this proposal:
A team of researchers and technicians having long-term experience in model testing in CNR-INM large facilities and in the use of state-of-the-art measurement and processing techniques is allocated depending on the scope, complexity and duration of model tests. Background experience includes testing, modelling and design of MRE systems for waves, currents, wind and hybrid.
Extraordinary scientific aspects/possibilities of the infrastructure not available at other infrastructures:
Facility dimensions allow for testing large-sized models of conventional and unconventional MRE devices with negligible flow confinement effects in highly controlled and repeatable conditions. Thorough assistance during pre-access and access phases is provided by skilled and motivated researchers and technicians.
Testing Capabilities
The facility has an adequate environment to perform tests specifically aimed at providing new knowledge and expertise in current challenges, including PTO impact on system hydrodynamics for WECs, wave-current interaction and site turbulence simulations for tidal energy converters array development and optimisation (both wave and tidal), assessment of wave/wind hybrid concepts and of novel floaters for floating offshore wind turbines.
Synergies with other partner organisations can be set-up to assess wave/current modelling in a towing tank environment where the current is simulated by carriage towing, as compared to actual wave/current flow physics from flume wave tank tests.
Furthermore, the wave tank is expected to play a key role in the development of concepts for multi-purpose offshore platforms as:
- Devices can be tested under combined wave, wind and current forcing conditions, making possible the analysis of different energy conversion devices interacting with each other on the platform.
- Tank dimensions allow for the realisation of platform components at a scale suitable for an accurate characterisation of relevant physics.
Technical Equipment
The facility allows for the simulation of a variety of conditions that are representative of operation in real conditions. A wave generator provides regular and irregular wave patterns over tank length. Models can be towed to simulate currents and a movable fan array can be used to simulate wind. Two carriages provide double berthing and, in general, a unique capability for complex set-ups, such as testing wave and tidal arrays with large spacing among devices. Very large and heavy models and set-up components are handled by easy access to tank sides and fixed/travelling cranes with a capacity of 1 to 5 tons. The facility hosts a suitably designed on-water wind tunnel capable to deliver a low-level turbulence flow with a maximum velocity of 7 m/s that allows to investigate complex fluid-structure interactions due to the combined effect of wind and waves on MRE devices. The facility is equipped with a full range of measuring systems to obtain an accurate characterisation of operating conditions and device performance parameters. Data acquisition systems are easily interfaced with users measuring and monitoring hardware.
The facility is specifically equipped with force balance dynamometers; model propeller transmission dynamometers; 5-holes Pitot tube rakes for wake surveys; 1 to 6-component balance for rudders and ship models tests; fully submerged propeller dynamometer (thrust range = ± 400 N, torque range = ± 15 Nm, speed range = 60 to 3000, rpm motor power 5 kW, right and left-hand rotation, inclined operation up to ±15° in vertical plane) for open water characterisation of propellers in axial or inclined flow; a 3-D optical system and inertial platform for measuring ship model motions in waves; three-components SPIV.
Additional information
Technology Readiness Level: 4-6
Special considerations: N/A
Technology clusters: Ocean Energy, Offshore Wind, PV
Website: http://www.inm.cnr.it/labs/emilio-castagneto-seakeeping-tank/
Availability: Opened form September 2024 to January 2025
Provision of tools to prepare data sets in a FAIR way: Yes
