Noise characterization of a subsea tidal kite

Abstract

This paper presents the first noise measurements of a quarter-scale subsea tidal kite (anchored to the sea floor by a tether and flying in a figure-eight configuration in the water column) operating in field conditions. Challenges in the measurement and post-processing of the data are detailed. Results are presented for three operating conditions of the kite: (1) varying turbine rotations per minute (RPM), (2) varying kite speed, and (3) a twisted tether. Turbine RPM was identified as the main parameter influencing noise emissions.