SR250 Testing

The SR250 was launched in Orkney in March 2011, and has commenced an 18 month testing programme. Initial tests will involve short-term deployments of the device on its moorings followed by disconnection and towing back to harbour for inspection. These tests will enable the team to monitor device performance, whilst facilitating proficiency in connection and disconnection operations. The testing programme will be undertaken in incremental stages building up to a three month period of continuous grid-connected operation at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in 2012.

EMEC Testing of the SR250 will enable SRTP to develop safe, efficient and refined methodologies for single and multiple deployments of the technology. The results and experiences gained from the practical operations associated with the 250kW testing will prove invaluable in the development of procedures for the construction, design and testing of the proposed 2MW prototype and commercial scale devices

Progress to Date

SRTP has already achieved a number of significant milestones to date. At the beginning of April 2011 the SR250 was successfully grid connected at the EMEC's tidal site in Orkney. In July 2011 the team reached a further major objective by generating power for the first time during tow trials in the Shapinsay Sound, Orkney.  Equally as important as generating power for the first time, the tow trials have proved that the primary design criteria of building a tidal turbine that can be easily handled with a modest sized work boat has been met.

In August the team completed the first series of power generation tow tests, which has enabled the team to bench test all the primary and auxiliary systems before the device is in its fully operational status. In September, the team once again reached a significant milestone by successfully generating power at their test site at the Falls of Warness. This marks completion of the latest phase, in the development and commercialisation of the SRTT.