Research within the Cardiff Marine Energy Research Group
(CMERG) has considered the integrated mathematical
modelling of Tidal Stream Turbines (TST). The modelling
studies are briefly reviewed. This paper concentrates on the
experimental validation testing of small TST models in a
water flume facility. The dataset of results, and in particular the measured axial thrust signals are analysed via timefrequency methods. For the 0.5 m diameter TST the
recorded angular velocity typically varies by ± 2.5% during
the 90 second test durations. Modelling results confirm the
expectations for the thrust signal spectrums, for both
optimum and deliberately offset blade results. A discussion
of the need to consider operating conditions, condition
monitoring sub-system refinements and the direction of
prognostic methods development, is provided
