TEST ICI Scientific vocation and objectives

Mixed research unit of Centrale Nantes/CNRS (UMR6598)


The LHEEA is tasked with both advancing of theoretical knowledge and resolving concrete problems around 4 scientific themes:
  • free surface hydrodynamics
  • fluid-structure interactions
  • dynamics of the atmosphere
  • system approach for ground and marine propellents

Answering to strong societal and technological issues


  • Development of Marine Renewable Energies (MRE) (offshore wind, floating windturbines, tidal energy, wave energy, etc)
  • Safety of both people and equipment involved in marine activities
  • Reduction of polluting emissions associated with ground and marine transport
  • Quality of the urban atmosphere...

The LHEEA tackles its research problems by implementing a combination of approches, numerical approach (use and development of modeling software), experimental modelling on small-scale models (engine test bench, basins, atmospheric wind tunnel) and experiment in natural site (SEM-REV, open sea site). 

4 large test facilities

OCEAN TANK


The experiments conducted in the Centrale Nantes Ocean Tank can test a lot of equipment in their use environment, river or sea. The structures studied are fishing vessels, ships and also equipments related to marine renewable energy such as wind turbines, floating turbines, tidal turbines or wave power systems.

SEM-REV



The SEM-REV is a fully fitted wave energy test facility of Centrale Nantes intended to test and improve the efficiency of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) at an early stage of development. This test facility is aimed at helping the sector marine renewable energies grow in France and Europe.

ENGINE AND VEHICLE TEST BENCHES


The engine test benches, engine organs test benches and vehicle test benches are used in both academic researches as part of PhD, but also through contractual applications.

WIND TUNNELS


Experiments relating to quality of life issues, such as comfort, air quality and climatology or local meteorology, are carried out in the atmospheric wind tunnel.The aerodynamic wind tunnel participates in innovations in the field of Marine Renewable Energies. This closed-circuit wind tunnel is dedicated to the development of "intelligent" wind turbine blades.

Organization

The LHEEA has today a team of 127 people, including 56 permanent staff (researchers, technicians and administrative staff, Centrale Nantes or C.N.R.S.), 16 contract researchers and 26 PhD students.

Published on June 16, 2017 Updated on June 26, 2018