Wave and tidal ServiceS - GL Garrad Hassan

Renewable energy consultantsTechnical by nature...Wave and tidal SErvices

About the Marine Renewables GroupLeading a team of dedicatedwave and tidal expertsWave energyJoao CruzHead of Wave Energy Group,GL Garrad HassanPhD, Dip.-Ing.Prior to joining GL Garrad Hassan,Joao worked with the IST-TechnicalUniversity of Lisbon, the Universityof Edinburgh, Teamwork Technology(Archimedes Wave Swing) andmore recently Pelamis WavePower Ltd, where he was an activemember of the Cost Reductionand Performance EnhancementDepartment. Joao’s expertiseencompasses resource assessment,numerical and experimentalmodelling of wave energy convertersand development of tools in anoperational environment. He has aunique combination of R&D and fieldexperience obtained in Portugal andin the UK, at the European MarineEnergy Centre (EMEC).Joao co-authored the book‘Wave Energy’ (in Portuguese),commissioned by the PortugueseInstitute for the Environment (2004),and was the editor of a book entitled‘Ocean Wave Energy’ (Springer-Verlag) – one of the first textbooksin the field. He is also a reviewerfor ‘Ocean Engineering’, ‘Journalof Power and Energy’, and ‘Journalof Engineering for the MaritimeEnvironment’.Joao is the author of almost 20journal papers and peer-reviewedinternational conference papers,including:Cruz, J., Sykes, R., Siddorn, P., EatockTaylor, R. (2010); Estimating the Loadsand Energy Yield of Arrays of WaveEnergy Converters under Realistic Seas,IET Journal of Renewable Power Generation,Vol 4, Issue 6, pp. 488-498 [a reduced versionwas originally presented at the 8th EuropeanWave and Tidal Energy Conference (EWTEC2009)]Rhinefrank, K., Schacher, A., Prudell, J.,Cruz, J., Jorge, N., Stillinger, C., Naviaux,D., Brekken, T., von Jouanne, A., Newborn,D., Yim, S., Cox, D. (2010); Numericaland experimental analysis of a novelwave energy converter; Proceedingsof the 29th International Conference onOffshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering(OMAE2010)Philips, J., Cruz, J., Holbrow, R., Rawlinson-Smith, R.I., Parks, J. (2008); Defining theLong-Term Wave Resource at Wave Hub:The Role of Measurements and Models;Proceedings of the 27th InternationalConference on Offshore Mechanics and ArticEngineering (OMAE2008)Cruz, J., Mackay, E., Martins, T.J. (2007);Advances in Wave Resource Estimation:Measurements and Data Processing;Proceedings of the 7th European Wave andTidal Energy Conference (EWTEC 2007)Cruz, J., Salter, S. (2006); NumericalModelling of a Modified Version of theEdinburgh Duck Wave Energy Converter;Journal of Engineering for the MaritimeEnvironment (Proc. Inst. Mech. EngineersPart M), Vol. 220 (3), pp. 129-147 [Awarded‘Professional Engineering Publishing Paper ofthe Year’]“At GL Garrad Hassan weare privileged to have uniqueconditions to develop tools thatbridge the gap between projectand device developers. Notonly do we have a team ofyoung, bright and highlymotivated individuals who havespecialised in wave energy butwe can also take advantage ofthe extensive experience thatthe company has in the windenergy sector, where it haspioneered from the outset andhas already addressed similarissues by developing softwaretools. We have two technicalbases in two of the most activecountries in the world in this field(UK and Portugal), and such localknowledge further enhances theservices and support we canoffer to our clients”.Tidal energyMat ThomsonHead of Tidal Energy Group,GL Garrad HassanMEng, MSc, CEng IMechEPrior to joining GL Garrad Hassan,Mat worked within the tidal industryfor Swan Turbines, where hedeveloped the concept design foran axial-flow tidal stream turbine.His work established technicalspecifications which allowed thedesign to be fully costed. He alsoconducted detailed research intothe flow around axial-flow tidalstream turbines as part of a fullyfundedNational EnvironmentalResearch Council Masters Degree.His experience is wide-ranging,from conducting device assessments,loading and performance analyses,to leading the development of TidalFarmer, a software design tool topredict and optimise the energycapture of tidal turbine arrays.Mat is the author of a numberof peer-reviewed internationalconference papers, including:Smith, S., Thomson, M.D., Whelan, J. (2010);Planning and optimising the constructionand O&M strategy of tidal stream turbinearrays; Paper accepted for 3rd InternationalConference on Ocean Energy (ICOE 2010)McCann, G., Thomson, M.D., Hitchcock,S. (2008); Implications of site-specificconditions on the prediction of loadingand power performance of a tidal streamdevice; Proceedings of the 2nd InternationalConference on Ocean Energy (ICOE 2008)Bahaj, A.S., Myers, L.E., Thomson, M.D.,Rawlinson-Smith, R.I. (2008); The effectof boundary proximity upon thewake structure of horizontal axismarine current turbines; Proceedingsof the 27th International Conference onOffshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering(OMAE2008)Whelan, J., Thomson, M.D., Graham, J.M.R.,Peiró, J. (2007); Modelling of free surfaceproximity and wave induced velocitiesaround a horizontal axis tidal streamturbine; Proceedings of the 7th EuropeanWave and Tidal Energy Conference(EWTEC 2007)Bahaj, A.S., Myers, L.E., Thomson, M.D.,Jorge, N. (2007); Characterising thewake of horizontal axis marine currentturbines; Proceedings of the 7th EuropeanWave and Tidal Energy Conference(EWTEC 2007)“The nature of tidal energy issuch that it offers a predictablesource of renewable energywhich could provide GWs ofuseful power to both the UK andto the rest of the world.However, to transform thisemerging industry into anoperational business, multidisciplinarytechnical expertise isrequired. The engineeringchallenge is to provide acost-effective solution within acomplex operating environment;that is why initial efforts atGL Garrad Hassan were focusedon the development of TidalBladed – a sophisticated designtool which can predict deviceperformance and loading, givenrepresentative combinations ofcurrent, wave and windconditions.Installation and access are clearlymajor issues that the industryneeds to conquer, but equally,the ability to predict lifetimeenergy yield is also of keyimportance. GL Garrad Hassan isleading the industry in R&Dactivities to define the energyyield of wave and tidal arraysthrough the PerAWaT(Performance Assessment ofWave and Tidal Array Systems)project. This is a highly complexarea, and it requires a rigorousapproach to the investigationwith cross-validation at each step.We are also developing tools forthe optimisation of constructionand operations, and maintenancemethodologies for marine energyarrays.The combination of in-house R&Dand the existing diverse wealth ofexperience at GL Garrad Hassanin the field of renewable energyoffers advantageous technologytransfer opportunities to thissector”.4 5

ServicesServices and tools that bridge the gapbetween project and device developersDevice developers/manufacturersDevice designControl systemdevelopmentInnovative technologyevaluationMeasurement servicesDevice type approvaland certificationsupportMarine warrantyservicesStrategic and policyadvicePerformanceassessmentTraining coursesProject developersProject developmentsupportSite feasibility studiesEnvironmental andpermitting servicesResource and energyanalysisSite suitability studiesDevice consultingDue diligenceInterconnectionConstructionphase modellingand operationsand maintenancemodellingConstruction /installation servicesStrategic and policyadvicePerformanceassessmentTraining coursesInvestors/lendersDue diligence servicesMarine warrantyservicesStrategic and policyadvicePerformanceassessmentTraining coursesOwners/operatorsOwner’s engineeringsupport and FEEDstudiesDue diligenceAsset managementand optimisationservicesEnergy assessmentMeasurement servicesMarine warrantyservicesSupply of SCADAsystemsStrategic and policyadvicePerformanceassessmentTraining coursesGovernment/NGOsMarket intelligencePolicy and regulatorystudiesSpecialist strategicstudiesGL Garrad Hassan toolsDevicedevelopers/ Project Investors/ Owners/ Government/manufacturers developers lenders operators NGOsTidal Bladed(Tidal energy converter design software)* *WaveDyn(Wave energy converter dynamic solver)* *Tidal site data analysis toolbox * *Wave site data analysis toolbox * *Tidal array design tools * * * *Wave array design tools * * * *O2C (Construction modelling tool) * * *O2M (operation and maintenance tool) * * *Cost of energy modelling tool * * * * *Developer database and investment tool * * * *Commercial softwareMooring analysis tools * * *Boundary element methods for freesurface interactions* *3-d RANSE solvers * *Shallow water solvers * *FEM (Finite Element Method) tools *CAD *Electrical system design tools * * *GL Group CapabilitiesCFD tools * *FRIENDSHIP Systems CAE tools * *Clients– AES Corporation (USA)– Alstom Ocean Energy (France)– Anderson Solutions (Consulting) Ltd (UK)– Atkins (UK)– AW-Energy Oy (Finland)– AWS Ocean Energy Ltd (UK)– Centre for Renewable and SustainableEnergy Studies (South Africa)– Columbia Power Technologies LLC (USA)– Dehlsen Associates LLC (USA)– DTI / BERR / DECC (UK)– Edinburgh University (UK)– Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) (UK)– European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) (UK)– Hammerfest Strøm A/S (Norway and UK)– Inter-American Development Bank (USA)– ITI Energy (UK)– Lunar Energy / Rotech Engineering Ltd (UK)– Marine Power Systems (UK)– Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)(Canada)– Npower Juice (UK)– Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) (USA)– Oscilla Power Inc (USA)– REN / ENONDAS (Portugal)– ScotRenewables Ltd (UK)– ScottishPower Renewables (UK)– Set Venture Partners (Netherlands)– South West Regional Development Agency(SWRDA) (UK)– Technology Strategy Board (TSB) (UK)– The Carbon Trust (UK)– The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (UK)– The Scottish Government (ScottishExecutive) (UK)– Tidal Generation Ltd (UK)– TidalStream Ltd (UK)– Turner Hunt Ocean Renewables (THOR)(USA)– Voith Hydro Ocean Current Technologies(Germany)– Wave Energy Centre (WavEC) (Portugal)– WAVEenergy AS (Norway)* Map includes project locations67

ToolboxGL Garrad Hassan has a range ofin-house tools and commercialsoftware designed specifically fortidal and wave devices and arraysTidal Bladed: The world’s first tidal turbine design softwareThe development of tidal current turbinetechnology has progressed rapidly, withprototype systems installed and operational.These developments represent the dawn of anew industry that is focused on exploitationof the vast, clean energy resource availablefrom tidal stream currents.Tidal Bladed is based on the industrystandard software for wind turbine design– Bladed, which is certified by GermanischerLloyd and used all over the world. Manyof the wind turbine-related features andengineering models can be directly appliedto, or have been adapted for, tidal turbines.This means that, while Tidal Bladed is the firstsoftware of its kind, users can be confident ofa robust package with high quality modellingcapabilities and, while it will obviously befurther developed as the market grows, it isalready being utilised by tidal turbine devicedevelopers.Tidal Bladed currently features:Time-domain simulations of combinedcurrent, wave and wind loading with fullhydroelastic modelling and seismic excitation,plus a range of supporting steady-statecalculationsA range of wave and current models todefine the hydrodynamic forces acting onthe deviceModels to describe ‘added mass’ effects onboth the rotor and support structureAn accurate representation of the buoyancyforces acting on the deviceAn extensive suite of post-processingfunctions, covering statistical and spectralanalysis of simulation time-histories, throughto calculation and presentation of extremeand fatigue loads, and automatic reportingA Windows-based graphical user interfaceand on-line help facility for ease of useThe image above visualises outputs from a Tidal Bladed simulation of extreme waves ina turbulent flowGL Garrad Hassan has published a numberof papers on Tidal Bladed:McCann, G. N., Thomson, M., Hitchcock, S.;Implications of site-specific conditions on theprediction of loading and power performance of atidal stream device; 2nd International Conferenceon Ocean Energy (ICOE 2008), Brest, France,October 2008McCann, G. N.; Tidal current turbine fatigueloading sensitivity to waves and turbulence –a parametric study; 7th European Wave and TidalEnergy Conference (EWTEC 2007), Porto, Portugal,September 2007McCann, G. N., Rawlinson-Smith, R. I.,Argyriadis, K.; Load Simulation for Tidal Turbinesusing Wind Turbine Experience; InternationalConference on Ocean Energy (ICOE 2006),Bremerhaven, Germany, October 20068 9

ToolboxOther tools in GL Garrad Hassan’s toolbox:WaveDynTidal site data analysis tool boxWave site data analysis tool boxTidal array design toolsWave array design tools02C: Optimise Offshore ConstructionA calculation tool that allows the designof a wave energy converter (WEC) and itsoptimisation under a wide range of designvariables and constraints:Frequency and time-domain modules (linearand nonlinear capabilities)Link to the wave site data toolbox (use ofsite-specific data)Hydrodynamic loads (radiation and diffraction)Definition of the structural restraints formulti-body systemsFlexible PTO description facilitates modellingof mechanical, hydraulic and electricalsystemsA program for the analysis of tidal currentand height data, allowing the user tocharacterise the site flow regime. Functionsinclude:Quality analysis of raw Acoustic DopplerCurrent Profiler (ADCP) dataAnalysis of flow profiles and speedsAnalysis of turbulence intensityHarmonic analysis of tidal current andflow dataLong-term prediction of tidal currents andspeeds using harmonic constituentsA program for the analysis of wave data,allowing the user to characterise the waveclimate at a site. Functions include:Quality control and analysis of buoy dataShallow water modellingCalibration of modelled data againstsatellite and buoy measurementsDetermination of wave climate, variabilityand uncertaintyExtremes analysisWeather windowsTools for the design and optimisation oftidal arrays are under development.Key elements include:Array effect on global flow fieldLong-term predictionSpatial variation across the siteInter-array modelling (device interaction)Device operating characteristicsEnergy calculationsOptimisation of array layoutTools for the design and optimisation ofwave energy converter arrays are underdevelopment. Key elements include:Array effects on wave field and individualWECsLong-term energy predictionInter-array modelling (device interaction)Application of farm control strategiesEnergy calculationsOptimisation of array layoutA tool for the analysis of environmentaldelays and the optimisation of aconstruction sequence for marine renewablearrays.The model breaks construction down intodiscrete operations which are simulatedagainst an environmental time series. Anassessment of the risk of the project, withregards to likely durations and delays, isundertaken through a Monte Carlo analysis.Control module (control strategy iterations)Moorings moduleCommercial softwareAs engineering consultants, theuse of the best available tools is anessential part of our service.To support our analysis we make useof the following tools:Additionally, GL Garrad Hassan worksclosely with other members of the GLGroup with expertise in CFD and CAEtools.O2M: Optimising Operationsand MaintenanceA tool for the optimisation of an operationsand maintenance strategy for marinerenewable arrays. The model allows, amongother options, consideration of weatherwindows, vessel size, staffing options,availability of spares and wave climate.The cost of lost production due to devicedowntime is balanced against the cost ofdeploying a resource strategy, to find theoptimum strategy for energy price.Cost of Energy Modelling ToolGL Garrad Hassan has a number of costmodels, from the standard cost of energycalculator to more involved technoeconomicmodelling, although of coursethis type of tool needs to be used by expertswith a core understanding of the limits ofsuch a model.Our incorporation of scaling factors anduncertainty analysis is central to manyinvestor requirements. The suite ofGL Garrad Hassan tools are designed toinform sophisticated financial modelling,as required by our clients.Wave and Tidal Developer DatabaseA database of wave and tidal devicedevelopers; this tool allows the user to ranktechnologies based on specified criteria. Inthis way, a weighted ranking specific to asite or project developer can be created.Hydrodynamic tools:• Mooring analysis• Boundary element methods forfree surface interactions• 3-d RANSE solvers• Shallow water solversFinite Element Method (FEM) toolsCADElectrical system design tools10 11

Research & DevelopmentThe wealth of renewable energyexperience at GL Garrad Hassanoffers advantageous technologytransfer opportunities to this sectorMat Thomson (Head of Tidal Energy Group,GL Garrad Hassan):“The next few years will be crucial inestablishing marine energy as a significantcontributor of energy from renewablesources. In order to reach this goal, however,a step change is needed to move fromhaving demonstrators in the water todeploying commercial arrays. Developers’initial focus is on proving the survivabilityof their devices, but as the technologiesdevelop the focus will move to improvingperformance and reliability.”GL Garrad Hassan continually strives tomaintain its position at the forefront of therenewable energy field. In order to maintainthis position and keep abreast of newdevelopments, the company is heavilyinvolved in not only participating in, butleading, R&D projects into many aspects ofrenewable energy. These include thedevelopment of models to predict theperformance of wave and tidal arrays, thedevelopment of device design tools,innovative wave and tidal device controllerdesign and implementation, dynamicmodelling of multi-rotor systems, marineinstrumentation, and operations &maintenance modelling.GL Garrad Hassan has developed a numberof industry standard tools for wind energy,including Bladed, WindFarmer, O2C, O2M,and GL Garrad Hassan SCADA Solution.Many of these tools have been or are beingdeveloped for wave and tidal devices andarrays, combining years of experience in windenergy with an in-depth knowledge of waveand tidal resource, devices and array systems.Joao Cruz (Head of Wave Energy Group,GL Garrad Hassan):”As for tidal, wave energy technologydevelopers are at present trying todemonstrate their technology; we recurrentlyget involved in design or design assessmentprojects that emphasise this fact. Thedevelopment of tools that allow suchaccurate assessment is therefore crucial,for both survivability and performanceconsiderations. The extension of suchmethods and tools to the design of arrays ofWECs (and their validation) will fill in a gapthat would emerge in a post-demonstrationscenario, as the absence of an array designtool would compromise the 2020 and 2050targets.”Case Study: Performance assessment of wave and tidal arraysystems (PerAWaT)Client: Energy Technologies Institute (ETI)Performance Assessment of Wave and Tidal Array Systems(PerAWaT), is an Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) projectled by GL Garrad Hassan, and including EDF Energy, EON,the University of Edinburgh, the University of Oxford,Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Manchester.The project will develop a series of models to predict theperformance of wave and tidal stream generator arrays.ETI Chief Executive Dr David Clarke said: “Although theUK has huge marine potential, investment is being heldback by uncertainty about the overall costs involved andthe potential returns on investment in wave and tidaltechnologies. This project will deliver greatly improvedmodelling tools to provide more accurate forecasting ofenergy yields and reduce the uncertainty and investmentrisk faced by project developers when planning largescale wave and tidal energy schemes.““It will build on existing knowledge to accelerate thedevelopment of sophisticated tools that will becomeessential as the marine energy industry matures. Nosingle company or university would be capable of doingthis work alone and the ETI has played a key role inbringing together a consortium of experts to deliver thiscritical work. It is an important step to unlocking theconsiderable potential of marine energy.”The Head of Marine Renewables at GL Garrad Hassan,Dr Robert Rawlinson-Smith, added: “Deployment of largeW&Tscale arrays of marine energy conversion devices will onlyoccur when project developers have sufficient confidencein the return on their investment. The ETI core objectiveof accelerating the commercial deployment of energytechnologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions willbe addressed by this project, as it will both establish andvalidate numerical models capable of predicting theperformance of wave and tidal energy converters (WECsand TECs) when operating in arrays. Once established, themodels will enhance levels of confidence in the design ofWEC and TEC arrays and therefore accelerate their largescale deployment.”“By accelerating deployment rates the project willdirectly address the ETI Marine Programme outcomegoal of increasing deployment to 2GW by 2020 and30GW by 2050. The PerAWaT consortium brings togetheruniversities, utilities and an engineering consultancy.In combination, this consortium will provide the skillsand facilities necessary to significantly enhance ourunderstanding of the performance of wave and tidalstream energy farms, and encapsulate that understandingin robust validated numerical models for use by the widerindustry.”There is currently no independently developed softwarepackage or validated method of estimating the averageannual energy production of a wave or tidal streamenergy farm.1213

Supporting the device developer/manufacturerUnrivalled experienceand understandingGL Garrad Hassan has extensive R&D and devicedevelopment experience which, when coupled withthree decades of understanding in wind technologydevelopment and manufacture, makes it an ideal partnerfor those developing innovative technologies.Designing for survivability of the device is, in the firstinstance, the highest priority. As the design and thedevice become more sophisticated, however, other factorsincrease in importance. For example, the reliability ofdevices operating not just offshore, but in submergedconditions, is vital to limit maintenance costs.The control system plays a vital role both in maximisingenergy capture, and in mitigating loading by tailoringthe dynamic response of the device structure to theenvironmental conditions.GL Garrad Hassan has a multitude of specialists whoregularly work together as a multi-disciplinary team toprovide clients with design or analysis solutions. They alsowork in their individual areas of specialism where a clienthas very specific requirements. In this way, they are ableto provide device developers and manufacturers with therange of services they require to create efficient, robustand cost-effective devices.Particular concerns in the development of marinerenewables are typically over the design of structures andmoorings and riser solutions. Via the GL Group, GL GarradHassan is able to utilise specialist experts from GL NobleDenton, who possess expert knowledge on installationmethodologies. Through this we are able to optimise thedesign to allow for the installation process to be builtinto the design model, therefore increasing safety andreducing costs. The in-house Metocean department andinternationally-recognised Geotechnical experts are onhand to support and ensure that the right solution basedupon existing conditions is provided to the client at theearliest stages of development.Case Study: Due diligenceClient: Alstom Ocean EnergyGL Garrad Hassan provided technical due diligence toAlstom prior to their investment in AWS Ocean Energy.The ‘hands on’ involvement of GL Garrad Hassan specialistsin technology development makes it possible for themto provide a robust assessment of the true costs and risksinvolved in new technologies. By developing constructiveWthree way relationships, GL Garrad Hassan is able to act asboth an interface and advisor, so that all parties gain fromtechnical due diligence exercises. GL Garrad Hassan is ableto mobilise the effort required for due diligence activitieswhich are often undertaken in short time scales and aresubject to significant commercial pressure.Case Study: Dynamic modelling of multi-rotor systemClient: Tidal Stream PartnershipTCase Study: Design assessment and wave farm layoutClient: AW-Energy OyWAs part of a collaborative R&D project, GL GarradHassan extended its in-house Multi-Body Dynamic Code(DYWIG) to:Create detailed models of marine environments includingwater depth, waves of arbitrary height and period, andcurrentsGenerate a full representation of hydrodynamicstructural loading using Morison’s equation and includinghydroelastic feedbackRepresent hydrodynamic rotor loading using look-uptables of steady-state thrust and torque coefficients asfunctions of disc-averaged flow speedRepresent lifting surfaces using look-up tables of lift anddrag coefficients as functions of angle of attackDemonstrate ability to set initial conditions of structure(yaw, pitch and roll displacements and velocities)AW-Energy Oy (AWE) has commissioned GL GarradHassan to perform an optimisation study focusing onsingle WaveRoller wave energy converter (WEC) units andarrays of WaveRollers. Firstly, GL Garrad Hassan used itsin-house WEC modelling tool to optimise the WaveRollerdesign using various design variables and designconstraints, such as aspect ratio, water depth, PowerTake-Off (PTO) limitations and wave climate. Secondly,GL Garrad Hassan has developed a bespoke model ofan array of WaveRoller WEC units (based on the studypresented at the 2009 EWTEC conference) which allowsthe optimisation of the array layout and configuration,whilst estimating the performance and site-specificenergy yield.AWE’s CEO John Liljelund said: “I can recommendGL Garrad Hassan’s wave team without the slightesthesitation. The co-operation between these two teamshas been very fruitful and GL Garrad Hassan’s servicesand tools have provided a real value add and aid inour efforts to bring WaveRoller closer to a commercialsuccess.“1415

Case Study: Technology roadmap for device developmentand wave energy converter designClient: Columbia Power Technologies LLC, Oregon, USAWColumbia Power Technologies LLC (Columbia Power),equipped with funding from the U.S. Departmentof Energy (DOE), has embarked on a research anddevelopment (R&D) initiative to develop, optimise,demonstrate and validate an intermediate-scale versionof its Manta Wave Energy Converter device. GL GarradHassan has been tasked to review and analyse wave dataat the scaled site, optimise the wave energy converter,develop control algorithms, and to provide real-seascontrol strategies and training. Additionally, GL GarradHassan provided services to the earlier phases of thisproject that included review and development of thetechnology roadmap, numerical modelling of the waveenergy converter response and design optimisation,tank testing guidelines and on-site support during tanktrials, and verification and validation of numerical modelpredictions.Columbia Power President Bradford Lamb said“Experience has proven that working with a consortiumof experts is the smartest way to operate in an R&Denvironment. Capital efficiency and speed are essentialand collaboration with GL Garrad Hassan’s MarineRenewables Group has been vital to the project thus far.We look forward to their continued support.”Case Study: Energy yield assessment of tethered oceancurrent turbineClient: Turner Hunt Ocean Renewables LLC (THOR)TGL Garrad Hassan was commissioned to provide anindependent assessment of the expected energyyield of the THOR device, a variable buoyancytethered ocean current turbine, designed to extractenergy from the currents found within the GulfStream. The analysis included quality checkingof site data, characterisation of the resource,evaluation of the energy yield and expected losses,and uncertainty analysis.16 17

Supporting the project developerGL Garrad Hassan offerscomprehensive technical servicesacross the project lifecycleGL Garrad Hassan understands the diverseneeds of the project developer, and supportsthese developers in understanding notonly how renewable energy resources varyby region, but also how social, technical,environmental and regulatory constraintsvary.A crucial first step in assessing the viabilityof a potential site is the assessment of theavailable wave and tidal resource. Accuracyis paramount in the analysis of resourcedata, not only for the quantity of resource,but also its quality and location. Once thedecision has been made to develop a site,the location of the array and the micro-sitingof devices within it will greatly affect theoutput of energy generated by the array. Itis therefore crucial that the array layout isoptimised for energy yield.Offshore renewable project constructionrepresents a complex engineeringchallenge, and the costs of operatingand maintaining arrays are considerable.This is particularly true for wave and tidalarrays, operating as they do in harsh anddemanding environments. An appreciationof the requirements for construction andO&M, and an understanding of how themethodologies can be optimised, shouldfeed into the project development processearly on to prevent problems occurring atlater stages.GL Garrad Hassan offers developers acomprehensive range of technical servicesthroughout the entire project lifecycle, andits project development experts coordinatewith clients to provide a tailored servicepackage which will provide solutions fromthe initial deployment methodology throughto final decommissioning. Our in-houseexpertise, combined with the extensiveknowledge in complex offshore operationsfrom GL Noble Denton through the GLGroup, places us in a world class position tobe able to ensure that the project is installedin the optimum way. By early identificationof the hazards and risks associated withthe project we can incorporate these intothe project procedures, and in associationwith our marine experts ensure that theright vessels are identified and inspectedprior to installation. Through this we cansignificantly reduce the risks associated withthis critical transition phase, reducing therisks of project damage or failure.Our extensive relationship with theinsurance underwriters also places us inthe forefront of the provision of warrantyservices for the execution of these projects.Case Study: Development of techniques to assess resource,forecasting and O&M simulation at Wave HubClient: npower JuiceGL Garrad Hassan secured funding to carry out animportant new study for the Wave Hub project. The studydeveloped and shared new analytical techniques in threeareas: wave resource, short-term wave forecasting andoperational simulation.The wave resource work focused on the analysis of theshort-term data gathered to date and culminated ina long-term prediction of the wave climate that canbe used by device developers to estimate the energyoutput of machines to be deployed at the site. Thiswas the first time that the MCP (Measure, Correlate,Predict) methodology, common in wind energy, has beenimplemented for wave energy. The results were peerreviewedand presented at an international conference(OMAE).GL Garrad Hassan’s wind forecasting service, Forecaster,was trialled to predict sea-state conditions at the WaveHub site to a horizon of 72 hours. The operations andmaintenance at the Wave Hub were examined via specialadaptation of an offshore wind industry simulation tool(O2M) to assess its suitability for wave energy projects.WCase Study: Wave and tidal site selection in ChileClient: Inter-American Development BankW&TGL Garrad Hassan has been working with the Inter-American Development Bank, under the SustainableEnergy and Climate Change initiative, to identify priorityareas for the development of marine energy projects inChile. The definition of a priority area takes into accountseveral positive attributes and constraints, combinedwith other relevant information, which are added toa specially created database to enable the objectiveselection of the most interesting sites.Initial findings from the study estimate Chile’s rawoffshore wave power to be more than 100GW – manytimes the total capacity of the electricity system in Chile.The Chacao Channel was found to have the largestpotential for exploitation of tidal currents, estimated tobe several hundred MW.While there are several levels of further work toundertake before embarking on a commercial project,these initial findings place Chile amongst the leadersof geographic regions that have conducted similarassessments of their raw wave and tidal capacity.Proposed further stages of the study include ongoingdata collection and analysis, identification of appropriatetechnologies and the development of demonstrationprojects.Case Study: Wave and tidal technology reviewClient: ScottishPower RenewablesGL Garrad Hassan assisted ScottishPowerRenewables to identify a shortlist of wave and tidaldevelopers. This was done using a database of over160 wave and tidal concepts and a special plug-inW&Ttool, both of which were developed by GL GarradHassan. The tool allowed a weighted assessment ofa series of scenarios that were driven by the client’sdevelopment strategy.18 19Photo: Louise Forrest

Supporting the investor/lenderSupporting the owner/operatorUnderstanding the market and therisks, as well as the opportunitiesBefore entering a new market, it is vitalto fully understand the risks as well asthe opportunities. The detailed technicalunderstanding of GL Garrad Hassan’s experts,formed through many years of supportingrenewable investors, provides a solid basis onwhich to make decisions.Due diligence, one of the many servicesrequired by investors and lenders, isnecessary for both projects/portfolios and forcompanies themselves. Experts within thefield are necessary to identify potential areasof risk, as well as possible means of technicaland commercial mitigation. Similarly, anunderstanding of a company’s position inthe market, the technological capabilityof its design team, and an analysis of itscompetitors, is crucial before an investmentdecision is made.In addition to an appreciation of the projectand the company, the market as a wholemust be understood. GL Garrad Hassan’s wideknowledge base, and the range of countriesand markets in which it is actively involved,mean that it has a thorough grasp of theinterplay between the various factors at workin a specific market which can affect thedecision to invest.Front End Engineering Design(FEED) can mitigate risk and realisesignificant commercial savingsMany of the key decisions which determinethe success of a project are taken earlyon in the development stages. Front EndEngineering and Design (FEED) is a process bywhich the options available are explored, andtheir subsequent technical and commercialimplications are evaluated. Undertaking athorough FEED study early on can identifyproblems prior to engagement with thesupply chain, thus mitigating risk andrealising significant commercial savings.GL Garrad Hassan has developed an extensiveand advanced technical understanding of therequirements of owners and operators aroundthe world, and uses this to maximise thepotential of its renewable energy projects.Case Study: Marine renewable energytechnical due diligence requirementsClient: The Carbon TrustW&TCase Study: Planning and optimising theconstruction and O&M strategy of tidalstream turbine arraysTThe Carbon Trust is actively investigating the status of and potential forwave and tidal stream devices, and recognises that if their potential is tobe realised then it will be necessary to be able to obtain project financefrom lenders. The Carbon Trust therefore requested that GL Garrad Hassanprovide an outline technical due diligence report that could be used as astarting point for a due diligence study to raise project finance for marinerenewables project in the future.GL Garrad Hassan has been intimately involved in the technical duediligence of wind farms for many years and has provided independentassessments of renewable energy projects for lenders and investors formore operational wind farms than any other company. With this wealth ofexperience to draw upon, GL Garrad Hassan was therefore an ideal choiceto develop due diligence requirements in relation to financing first projectsfor the emerging wave and tidal industry.Presented at ICOE 2010 (International Conference on Ocean Energy)The offshore operational costs of installing and maintaining tidal streamturbine arrays are considerable and are of great importance to theviability of the industry. In preparation for the continuing development ofthe marine renewables industry, GL Garrad Hassan has built on industrystandard tools for the offshore wind industry to create two tools. The O2Ctool has been developed for the analysis of environmental delays and theoptimisation of a construction sequence. It breaks the construction downinto discrete operations that are simulated against an environmental timeseries to obtain duration distributions of individual operations. A MonteCarlo analysis is used to obtain project durations from the operationduration distributions. The O2M tool is used to optimise an operations andmaintenance (O&M) strategy. The O2M model balances the cost of lostproduction due to turbine downtime and the cost of the resources for amaintenance strategy, in order to find an optimum strategy.20 21

Supporting Government/NGOsTraining coursesDelivering unrivalled high qualitystrategic adviceGL Garrad Hassan is the world’s largestindependent renewable energy consultancy,with local experts in all the significantmarkets across the globe and technicalcompetencies spanning the entire technologyand project lifecycle. The company is uniquelypositioned to understand the interplaybetween technology, policy, economics andregulation, and as a result, it is unrivalledin its ability to deliver high quality strategicadvice of both a commercial and politicalnature.GL Garrad Hassan’s dedicated Strategic& Policy Studies group utilises its experienceand expertise to inform Government andNGOs in policy-making decisions. GL GarradHassan assists these organisations in gaininga thorough understanding of policy andregulatory frameworks, by carrying outstudies of policy best practices, and inproviding support for developing renewableenergy targets.GL Garrad Hassan’s trainingcourses have been informingrenewable energy professionalsfor over 20 yearsCoursesIntroduction to Wave and Tidal EnergyConversionIntroduction to Wave Energy ConversionIntroduction to Tidal Energy ConversionBespoke training courses for the TidalBladed softwareDuration: One dayCase Study: Shetland Islands renewable energy strategyClient: Anderson Solutions (Consulting) LtdIn partnership with Anderson Solutions andO’Herlihy & Co., GL Garrad Hassan undertookrenewable energy strategy and action plandevelopment on behalf of HIE Shetland, ShetlandIslands Council and Shetland Renewables EnergyW&TForum (SREF). The purpose of the study was tomove on from the previous renewable energystrategy created in 2004 by SREF, and to identify adirection for the development of renewable energyin Shetland.GL Garrad Hassan’s training courseshave been informing renewable energyprofessionals for over 20 years, and havebeen conducted in countries including theUK, Portugal, Spain, Canada, and the USA.The vast specialist technical and engineeringexpertise retained within the company hasbeen honed to develop both packagedand bespoke training courses that deliverunderstanding to people at all stages of theircareer. Courses are delivered by specialiststaff who are leaders in their individual fieldsand, when not training, are heavily involvedin GL Garrad Hassan’s commercial consultancywork and R&D projects.Each of the above courses is tailored forprofessionals who wish to increase theirknowledge of the key issues associatedwith wave and tidal energy conversiontechnologies. They provide a detailedoverview of the fundamental principlesbehind the main technological solutionsto converting wave and tidal energy intoelectricity. The courses also explain the keymethodologies applied to evaluate energyresource, device site suitability and devicedata, as well as addressing hydrodynamicmodelling techniques (both numerical andexperimental) and details of several powerconversion mechanisms. Each course drawson examples of GL Garrad Hassan’s R&D andfull-scale real seas experience to date.Who should attend?Project developers, device developers,lenders, network operators and regulators,R&D institutions, leading test centres andother professionals who wish to benefit fromGL Garrad Hassan’s technical and commercialknowledge in the field.22 23

All information correct at time of print October 2012www.gl-garradhassan.com