Case Study: OpenHydro achieves safe, low-risk tidal turbine installation in Minas Passage with Altair's simulation solutions

Ensuring Success of Marine Operations in Tidal Energy

OpenHydro, part of DCNS, needed to deploy a 21 m, 1,100 t open‑centre tidal turbine as part of the Cape Sharp Tidal 4 MW array in the extreme currents of Minas Passage. To address the challenge of manoeuvring the Scotia Tide deployment barge, controlling tugs and tow lines, lowering and aligning the turbine on the seafloor while protecting the export cable, Altair applied ProteusDS simulation software to model seakeeping, tugs, tow and lifting lines, and turbine lowering operations.

Altair’s ProteusDS simulations identified optimal tow configurations and tug operations, verified tug power requirements and hydrodynamic loads on the export cable and lifting gear, and revealed turbine deflection and winch loading during lowering. The work reduced operational risk, flagged less stable arrangements, delivered 3D visualizations and a detailed report to inform safe installation, and provided validated procedures that support the initial 4 MW deployment and future scale‑up of the project.

OpenHydro