Magallanes installed the 1:10 scale ‘ATIR’ prototype on EMEC’s Shapinsay Sound test site. The company has been developing the concept since 2007, having already trialled previous prototypes in test tank and river conditions. The Magallanes Projected subsequently decided to test their 1:10 scale model at EMEC as a first step towards testing in the next year of a full-scale prototype – 42 meters in length and 350 tons in weight – which is currently in construction.
“This test project allows us to demonstrate the integrity and viability of the concept and its subsystems in a real sea climate, and help inform the construction of our 2MW floating platform to ensure a stable and optimal design” said Alejandro Marquis de Magallanes, managing director of the company. “One of the most important steps was to discover maintenance needs, as well as gaining operational experience at sea.”
Captain David Thomson, managing director of Orcades Marine Management Consultants Ltd, added that as the principal contractor, managing the marine operations and providing onshore support to Magallanes, Orcades is pleased with the quick and successful deployment of the device which was assisted by local companies Leask Marine and Heddle Construction.
Eileen Linklater, EMEC’s client relationship manager said that there is a cluster of energy, maritime and environmental expertise around EMEC in Orkney, with an experienced supply chain providing support to projects such as the Magallanes device. She explained that accessible real sea testing allows marine energy developers and suppliers to learn extremely valuable lessons about working in a real sea environment more cheaply
Marinet (the Marine Renewables Infrastructure Network), supported Magallanes by enabling access to the test site. Marinet was formed to accelerate the development of marine renewable energy by bringing together world-class testing facilities to offer EU-funded testing. Its aim is to progress research and development at all scales – from small models and laboratory tests through to prototype scales and open sea trials. EMEC is a participant in the initiative which has brought together 28 partners spanning 12 countries and offers access to 42 marine testing facilities covering all scales.
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