Atlantis completes testing its AR1000 turbine

Marine energy company Atlantis Resources Corporation has completed a testing program of its AR1000 tidal turbine at the National Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC) 3MW testing facility.

For about two weeks, engineers from the company conducted testing to gain performance data equivalent to four months of tidal exchanges.

Partnering with NAREC researchers, Atlantis employed a series of tests to garner data on drive train efficiency, control system validation and the analysis of the thermal properties of components under electrical load.

Atlantis CEO Tim Cornelius commented that the testing programme identified considerable data on the AR1000 turbines.

"Most importantly, the solid performance of the turbine in tough, simulated offshore conditions has given our engineering team confidence in the performance, integrity and reliability of the AR1000 turbine system.

"Narec testing is an important step in our engineering process. Our team and all of our technology contractors will now take time to review and digest the data collected, which will feed into future design considerations," Cornelius said.

He further added that the company will invest in both onshore and offshore testing before customer delivery.

Narec operations director Tony Quinn said, Accelerated life tests, conducted from the relative sanctuary of an onshore test facility, will significantly advance the development cycle for tidal turbines and give developers in the UK a real edge as the marine energy industry approaches commercialisation.

Atlantis chief technology officer Drew Blaxland noted, "For a technology developer, the opportunities that this facility offers in terms of control system optimisation and fast track commissioning are game changing."