Over the last six months the physical modelling work stream has focused on the design of the 2D LiftWEC experimental model and specification of the 2D physical test campaign which will produce experimental data for the validation of the numerical tools developed in the project. The model has been designed to permit testing of configurations with either one or two hydrofoils and allows for user variation of both hydrofoil pitch and operational radius on a per sea-state basis.

The rotor can be controlled using either speed or torque control and can be driven if required. Quantities measured will include the power take off torque, radial and tangential loads on each foil, angular position of the rotor and wave elevation upstream and downstream of the model.

The physical testing will be conducted in the ECN towing tank within a narrow “sub-channel” made of partition walls, which will locally reduce the flume width. The idea behind this approach is to allow the use of a tank capable of generating large waves while keeping the width of the device, and hence the loads experienced, more manageable, thus reducing complexity and costs.