Crossborder sharing, analysing and gathering of new data
1. Development of a current velocity mapping tool
The Laboratory of Oceanology and Geosciences/ Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale analyses the hydrokinetic resources based on in situ measurements of tidal flow characteristics at different sites. They also provide models to ensure the statistical analysis of local turbulence time series in relation with the power production.
All partners used this velocity mapping tool to find the best locations for their pilots.
2. Mapping existing technologies
A desktop study summarises all existing technologies and identifies the most suitable techniques for low dynamic areas, keeping in mind the low head, low cost & fish-friendly characteristics of each solution.
Waterwegen en Zeekanaal took the lead on this study.The report on the ‘Best available techniques for ultra low head tidal and river hydro power’ by Jacob van Berkel is available here.
For the report with an overview on innovative techniques, please click here.
3. Potential energy study of the Heusden Lock
Due to the upgrade of the inland waterways network connecting the Seine and Scheldt basin, a significant increase in ship traffic is expected between Antwerp and Ghent via the Sea Scheldt river. Currently, ship traffic around Ghent is a blend of commercial and recreational nature. In order to separate those two types of traffic – and thus freeing capacity for commercial shipping – the construction of a new lock in Heusden is planned.
Heusden is located near Ghent, at the end of the tidally influenced part of the Scheldt. The future lock complex will be fitted with two so-called weir channels, one to evacuate surplus water in the upper reach during rainy periods and one to enable fish migration between the two reaches. The ‘evacuation’ weir channel can serve as inlet to the turbine, illustrating the synergetic possibilities within the project.
Click here to find the full abstract.
Thanks to the international tools, the shared data and the velocity mapping, the Heusden Lock was cancelled as a testing area and all energy shift to the testing in the river Scheldt.
Read all about it in this dedicated brochure.
