Supergen Marine - Core
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Energy Systems
Abstract
The UK Engineering and Physical Science Council (EPSRC) funded research consortium, Supergen Marine (1), which consisted of the University of Edinburgh; Heriot-Watt University; The University of Lancaster; The University of Strathclyde and the Robert Gordon University, has, since October 2003, been undertaking cutting edge research in support of the developing marine renewables industry. The consortium, which has been modified to include The Queen's University Belfast and the move of key members of the Robert Gordon University Marine Energy Group to the University of Edinburgh, is now bidding for continued support from the research council. The aims of the original Supergen marine research programme primarily related to enhancing understanding of the location, extent and characteristics of the marine energy resources. This was on a 3-10 year horizon, and is still valid. However, research priorities have evolved to recognise experiences and questions arising from early tests, the deployment of prototype devices and the outcomes of the original work programme. The overall aim, while still generic, has evolved and is now directed, in the revised research programme, towards increasing understanding of the device-sea interactions of energy converters from model-scale in the laboratory to full size in the open sea. The programme includes work on: device arrays and how these will influence local and regional environmental conditions; radical design approaches, which take into account new philosophies of design guidance; ensuring that numerical and physical design support is consistent and robust; the challenges posed by design in mixed tidal and wave environments; system control in complex non linear and evolving environments; the complex challenges posed by fixing, mooring and recovery of marine systems; the economic challenges posed by the variable and intermittent nature of the marine resource; the sparse information available to predict and assess the long term reliability of marine energy systems and how an increased understanding of all of these issues can be best disseminated within the stakeholder community.
Organisations
Publications
Harrison M
(2010)
Comparison between CFD simulations and experiments for predicting the far wake of horizontal axis tidal turbines
in IET Renewable Power Generation
Ian Bryden (Author)
(2012)
Wave to Wire Dynamic Modelling of Wave Energy Converter Arrays
in IET Renewable Power Generation
Keysan O
(2012)
Designing the C-GEN lightweight direct drive generator for wave and tidal energy
in IET Renewable Power Generation
Shek J
(2007)
Reaction force control of a linear electrical generator for direct drive wave energy conversion
in IET Renewable Power Generation
Shek J
(2010)
Experimental verification of linear generator control for direct drive wave energy conversion
in IET Renewable Power Generation
Fletcher J
(2009)
Electrical issues associated with sea-water immersed windings in electrical generators for wave- and tidal current-driven power generation
in IET Renewable Power Generation
Osalusi E
(2009)
Reynolds stress and turbulence estimates in bottom boundary layer of Fall of Warness
in International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer
Osalusi E
(2009)
Structure of turbulent flow in EMEC's tidal energy test site
in International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer
Gao F
(2006)
The development of a Cartesian cut cell method for incompressible viscous flows
in International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids
Ingram D
(2008)
The Development of Protocols for Equitable Testing and Evaluation in Ocean Energy - A Three-Year Strategy
in International Journal of Fluid Machinery and Systems
Description | The findings and output of this, now closed, second phase of SuperGen Marine are fully documented in the monograph that the research team produced at the conclusion, and on the SuperGen Marine website, from which the monograph may be downloaded. |
Exploitation Route | The work of the consortium has influenced technology, policy, standards, regulation and practice. |
Sectors | Energy |
URL | https://www.supergen-marine.org.uk/ |
Description | The findings of this project have influenced policy, standards, regulation and practice in the marine energy sector. |
First Year Of Impact | 2007 |
Sector | Energy,Environment |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £237,809 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/F062583/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2008 |
End | 09/2009 |