Bourne Tidal Test Site at MRECo of New England

Facility Overview

The Bourne Tidal Test Site is a platform on three piles in approximately 7 meters of tidal waters that experiences flows of over 1.5 m/s in the Cape Cod Canal. A central lifting arm provides ready access to a turbine under test and the ability to easily deploy and retrieve prototypes of up to 3 meters in diameter. The test aperture width avoids the blocking issues common to testing off of bulkheads or barges. The stability of the platform allows for excellent sensor precision and the location close to the US Army Corps of Engineers canal headquarters ensures security. This site was purpose built to provide prototype tidal turbines cost effective, controlled testing in ocean waters.