The Crimson Marine project is working on hydrokinetic turbines that can produce clean energy at a reduced cost. The Crimson Marine Project is a groundbreaking endeavor that aims to harness the power of our oceans through innovative technology. Led by a team of dedicated researchers at the University of Galway, this project has reached a significant milestone in its development. The successful testing of a special foil for hydrokinetic turbines brings us one step closer to achieving cost-effective and sustainable energy from the sea that promises to provide us with clean energy at a lower cost.
The team has successfully tested a special foil for hydrokinetic turbines. It’s a significant leap towards an overall goal of deriving cost-effective, sustainable energy from the sea. This foil underwent rigorous stress testing at the University’s state-of-the-art Large Structures Testing Laboratory.
But why hydrokinetic turbines, you might ask?
Hydrokinetic energy conversion systems, such as marine turbines, harness the kinetic energy from moving water. This energy source is reliable, predictable, and immensely powerful. However, extracting it efficiently and economically has always been a challenge. The Crimson project aims at creating a solution to this challenge.
The project is not pausing to celebrate just yet. The team is already gearing up for the next phase, which involves the trial of a complete turbine. This next stage would take place under operational conditions at a large towing tank based in Italy.
Dr William Finnegan, assistant professor and principal investigator of the Crimson project, said the results help to “de-risk” the technology and give insights 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,” Finnegan said.
If successful, this project can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and we can look forward to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
It’s indeed a proud moment for Ireland, leading the way in cutting-edge marine energy technology.
About the Project
The project is being led by Galway-based ÉireComposites, with technology designed by the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC).
In 2021, this project secured €3m in funding from the European Commission via the Fast Track to Innovation programme.
Image Source www.crimsonproject.eu