Characterisation of current and turbulence in the FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility

The turbulence intensities are normally distributed in the range of 5-11% and integral lengthscales were log-normally distributed over a 0.18-0.41 m range across the test area. The Reynolds stresses showed the streamwise-vertical pair were relatively constant throughout the depth, with values in the range −0.31 to 0.15 Pa, while the transverse-vertical pair show high vertical variation with values of −1.35 to 0.20 Pa. For the majority of locations the flow metrics are generally realistic compared with those measured at the Fall of Warness site. This work improves the understanding of flow behaviour in the tank, facilitating higher confidence testing of scaled devices.