Hydrophone System ORE22073

The Tenderer shall provide a solution for a static underwater noise measurement system in line with the specification. Costs shall be supplied for four (4) systems.

The utilisation of static hydrophones installed on the seabed provides data for individual points throughout the deployment period, which can cover several tidal cycles, including neaps and springs. In addition to generic challenges, for standalone subsea sensors, i.e. power supply, data storage, station keeping at high flow sites and recovery, another challenge unique to subsea noise quantification is the flow noise, i.e. noise generated by the flow interference and hydrophone head and frame.

MEECE aspires to measure the underwater background noise at prospective tidal energy development sites and also existing tidal turbines in the Milford Haven waterway and Welsh coastal waters with hydrophones held in a bespoke frame fixing the hydrophone head at a minimum of 1m above the seabed for continuous measurements over 30 days periods.

The collected data will be used for impact studies related to the installation of offshore renewable energy systems.