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
Mueller M
(2008)
Enabling science and technology for marine renewable energy
in Energy Policy
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
Hanley N
(2009)
Do increases in energy efficiency improve environmental quality and sustainability?
in Ecological Economics
Krivtsov V
(2012)
Disruption to benthic habitats by moorings of wave energy installations: A modelling case study and implications for overall ecosystem functioning
in Ecological Modelling
Pascal R
(2011)
Directional spectrum methods for deterministic waves
in Ocean Engineering
Robin Wallace (Author)
(2008)
Development of a novel permanent magnet linear generator topology for direct drive wave energy converters
Keysan O
(2012)
Designing the C-GEN lightweight direct drive generator for wave and tidal energy
in IET Renewable Power Generation
Hodgins N
(2012)
Design and Testing of a Linear Generator for Wave-Energy Applications
in IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics
Robin Wallace (Author)
(2009)
Current and Future Developments of the C-GEN Lightweight Direct Drive Generator for Wave & Tidal Energy
Allan G
(2008)
Concurrent and legacy economic and environmental impacts from establishing a marine energy sector in Scotland
in Energy Policy
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 |