• Energy Research
• 2017 close
• 2018 close

Offshore Kinetics (OK), an innovative Norwegian SME, has developed a game changing offshore floating wind turbine support structure that will optimise installation, commissioning, operation (maintenance) and decommissioning of wind farms. OKs patented column, stabilization tank, universal joint and anchor provides an effective “all in one” deployment of wind turbines. The concept is considerably more cost efficient than the leading models on floating wind turbines in the world today, and will reduce both Capex an Opex of wind farms. Offshore Kinetics’ overall objective is to upscale, demonstrate, and commercialize our patented Wind Turbine Support Structure (WTSS) solution in the offshore wind market

Offshore wind turbines operate in harsh and extreme environments such as the North Sea. As blades continue getting larger, their tip speeds can exceed 100m/s. At these speeds, any particulates in the air such as rain, dust, salt, inspects etc. can wear away the surface of the blade's leading edge, a phenomenon known as leading edge erosion. This, in turn, alters the aerodynamic shape of the blade, affecting the efficiency AND potentially exposing the blade to further and more serious damage, thereby reducing the life of the blade. Whilst the mechanisms that cause leading edge erosion are not yet fully understood, it can be said that at some point, ALL wind turbine blades will suffer from some form or degree of leading edge erosion during their life, which will need to be addressed. Maintaining blades in the offshore wind sector is an expensive and dangerous job. Typically, highly skilled rope access technicians have to scale down the blades to carry out leading edge repairs. This project aims to take the first steps of developing a robotic device to carry out a number of these detailed inspections and repetitive repairs on the leading edges of blades, freeing up the time of the skilled rope access technicians, enabling them to perform specialist repairs or upgrades to blades only they can do. This would enable more blades to be inspected and treated, maximising the electrical output of the turbines that in turn benefit the owner with increased revenues, maximise the CO2 savings that everybody benefit from and increasing the security of electrical supply for the end users.

Hydropower is a crucial energy source in a portfolio as it generates for up to 24 hours / day, providing a renewable energy alternative to base-load fossil & nuclear fuel power stations. Deployment is currently limited due availability of suitable sites, environmental disruption, & head of water (3m+) requirements to run installations efficiently. VerdErg has developed a disruptive new hydro-power turbine technology that overcomes these limitations. Operating at low head (1-3m) with a major reduction in cost & environment impact due to smaller size & civil works, the technology can significantly increase renewable baseload electricity generation at low head river sites in the UK - the Environment Agency has identified 25,935 potential hydropower sites in England & Wales able to provide 1,178 MW of power. In addition, the UN has identified low head hydropower as a crucial element in addressing economic development of poor rural communities in developing countries. VerdErg's unique technology (protected by 6 patent families) enables power extraction using venturi-enhanced secondary flow, not achieved before. It can make a major contribution to the Energy Trilemma.

Senergy are developing an all polymer solar thermal panel that will integrate easily with the physical and the digital architecture of buildings to deliver reliable, affordable and carbon emission free solar water heating and cooling. The Senergy panels capitalise on the strength and thermal conductivity of nanocarbon particles to reinforce polymer materials that have previously been too weak for thermal panel production and bring to market a robust and durable polymer solar thermal collection system that can be manufactured and installed at a 50% lower cost than existing metallic solar collectors. The Senergy panels also offer lightweight and aesthetic benefits that give the architect much more flexibility with design. In addition, the panels are embedded with low cost sensor and information technologies providing artificial intelligence for a more efficient and reliable energy supply. These technical advantages address the challenges that have hindered the roll out of this form of renewable energy and presents the opportunity for pervasive adaption of solar water and space heating and cooling in the global built environment.

Development of an innovative, wind turbine blade specific, condition monitoring product.

The purpose of the project is to develop an autonomous & integrated sensor system for Tyre Pressure and Management System (TPMS). Development includes; a) printed kinetic harvesting element (based on piezoelectric materials), b) power management and sensing devices that enable real-time monitoring of individual tyre performance within a truck to reduce fuel costs and enhance truck safety. The novel active harvesting elements will be co-developed by Bath University and CPI (the HVM Manufacturing Catapult). This early stage prototype consists of an EH/S element alongside a pressure sensing MCU and RfID circuit capable of relaying data remotely without connection to the tyre. The practical work includes fabrication and testing to understand the power that can be harvested, the operating temperature window and the lifetime of the EH/S transducer. The project is looking to develop a system for the lead company to exploit in the fleet operator market and a leading tyre manufacturer long term.