University of Galway researchers successfully test new material for use in turbines
Researchers at University of Galway have successfully tested a new material intended for use in the next generation of marine hydrokinetic turbines.
The technology was designed by US-based marine energy company ORPC Ireland and fabricated by ÉireComposites, based Inverin, Co Galway.
The testing programme is part of the €3.9 million Horizon 2020-funded Crimson project and involved 1.3 million fatigue cycles on the turbine foil – the highest number ever reported on a full-scale marine energy component in dry laboratory conditions.
The tests were led by the sustainable and resilient structures research group at University of Galway, which is part of the Enterprise Ireland-supported technology centre Construct Innovate and the University’s Ryan Institute.
The 5m long foil is made from high-performance, carbon fibre reinforced polymer and is shaped similarly to an airplane wing. When placed perpendicular to river or tidal currents, the foils spin under that force and the technology sends clean, renewable energy via an underwater generator.
Dr William Finnegan, assistant professor and principal investigator of Crimson at the University of Galway (pictured), said: “The findings from this full-scale structural testing programme help to de-risk ORPC’s technology and give insights that can be used for structural health monitoring and inform the next generation of testing standards. The combination of such high-level design and manufacturing with University of Galway’s state-of-the-art testing will improve the reliability of river and tidal energy devices as they move closer to commercial viability.”
Tomás Flanagan, chief executive of ÉireComposites, said: “ÉireComposites is delighted that the turbine foils we manufactured have performed so well during testing. The foils have a complex helical shape and are challenging to manufacture; they are a credit to the engineers and technicians who worked on the project. We’re delighted to see our work with ORPC Ireland, University of Galway, and the other partners coming to fruition and we’re excited about the commercial potential for marine hydrokinetic devices in delivering clean, sustainable energy. At a time when global interest is focused on achieving a net-zero emission future, it is great to be making advances in the technology that supports this global shift.”
The next phase of the project will trial the complete turbine in operational conditions at Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche’s large towing tank in Rome, Italy.
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