The University of Plymouth is working with a globally-renowned provider of next-generation software to create a new system that could revolutionise the UK’s floating offshore wind (FLOW) sector
The institution has partnered with Norway-headquartered global technology corporation Kongsberg Digital to install one of its Kongsberg K-Sim Dynamic Positioning (DP) simulators at the Marine Navigation Centre on the university’s campus.
It will be used to simulate, test and optimise marine operations throughout the lifecycle of floating offshore wind (FLOW) installations, which will provide offshore wind project teams and crew with facilities where they can verify, test and optimise installation and maintenance projects. This will help increase efficiency, safety and cost effectiveness for the companies involved.
In addition to the research aspect, it will also be used to develop training for industry professionals, helping to meet the national and international demand for such expertise in line with the global net-zero agenda.
Professor Deborah Greaves, professor of ocean engineering at the University of Plymouth, said: “This simulator could be a game-changer in the future deployment of floating offshore wind technology. As the sector expands, we need to develop innovative and effective ways of installing the technology in new and challenging environments.
“I believe our partnership with Kongsberg Digital, and the opportunity to learn from their experience and expertise, can make significant strides in helping us to achieve that.”
The K-Sim DP simulator is built on the market leading Kongsberg DP technology and has the necessary fidelity and realism required for thorough studies, mission planning, training and assessment of crew, where various challenging scenarios can be evaluated and optimised in a safe environment.
Andreas Jagtøyen, executive vice president digital ocean at Kongsberg Digital, said: “Floating offshore wind turbines are seen as an increasingly important element of the renewable energy sector, which is a rapidly growing market. We look forward to cooperating with the University of Plymouth to support this industry with cutting-edge technology leading to improved safety and increased efficiency in offshore wind projects.”
The simulator has been acquired through the university’s involvement in the Cornwall FLOW Accelerator project. Led by Celtic Sea Power, and supported by a grant of £4.8m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme, the project will support Cornwall’s ambitions to take a leading role in the global floating offshore wind sector. The new facility will complement the university’s Cyber-SHIP Lab and increasing fleet of Marine Autonomous Systems.
The UK’s national Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Test facility, supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is also based within the university’s COAST Laboratory.
These, combined with the university’s global lead on research relating to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), places the university as the leading institution for research towards a future of safe, and sustainable future maritime operations.
FLOW turbines are increasingly being seen as an integral element of the UK’s offshore renewable energy sector. The UK has the largest installed capacity of offshore wind, and it contributed about 10% of the UK's power in the third quarter of 2019. However, the majority of existing turbines are fixed to the seafloor in water depths up to 60m, and such sites are in limited supply.
The university is involved in initiatives aimed at providing the infrastructure, innovation and operational knowledge needed to speed the rollout of FLOW technology. This includes leading the Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub, which brings together stakeholders to ensure research is shared with the Government to inform and influence policy, and practitioners to provide industry guidance.
Prof Greaves said: “There is growing recognition of the need for floating offshore wind technology and the need for the Government to support their advancement. Our UK first Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Test facility will enable physical modelling experiments with wind, wave and currents simultaneously. It will greatly improve understanding of how future technology advances could be impacted by atmospheric conditions, and provide a low-risk environment in which researchers can test new and novel concepts.”
