Catapult launches new Powertrain Research Hub with Sheffield Uni and GE

The Catapult's 15MW Powertrain Test Facility.

The University of Sheffield has been named as the academic partner in the Catapult's new Powertrain Research Hub.

The new Research Hub will support the development of future technologies for larger turbines, improving turbine reliability and availability. With key objectives including advancing test methodologies, condition monitoring and prognostic technologies, development of next-generation powertrain components and minimising human intervention, the Hub will be supported on a number of research projects by GE Renewable Energy.

“The University of Sheffield sees working with ORE Catapult as a fantastic opportunity to apply its cutting-edge research ideas to support the rapidly expanding field of green energy generation solutions," says the University's Scientific Director, Professor David Stone. "The synergies brought about by the Powertrain Research Hub will not only bring benefits for the University and the offshore wind industrial sector, but consumers as a whole through higher reliability, lower cost electricity generation.”

New funding links Scots businesses with academic expertise

The scheme provides Scottish tech developers with support from leading researchers.

A new Energy Technology Partnership initiative is kick-starting offshore wind technology development in Scotland by linking companies with leading academic expertise.

Funded by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Knowledge Exchange Network will help early-stage innovators by connecting them with the nation's foremost academics and researchers. The programme will take successful applicants from feasibility studies through to modelling and testing and validation. 

The Catapult's Alex Louden is leading Wind Business Development for the ETP. "Some of the ideas we have taken through the ETP have started out as sketches or almost back-garden experiments," he said. "Where you start from is not important – we're looking for ingenious ideas that can tackle some of the industry’s key technology challenges.”

Last chance for innovators to rise to KTN challenges

The clock is ticking for technology developers to respond to two offshore wind Innovation Challenges issued by the Knowledge Transfer Network and EDP Renewables.

Finding solutions that can speed up the process of bolt torqueing operations offshore, and systems that can minimise the use of vessels to reduce the cost of subsea surveying and inspections, are two of the industry's most pressing concerns and could significantly improve health and safety while cutting costs offshore. 

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch their solutions to EDPR, and could also receive investor introductions and support from the Catapult or KTN. Interested innovators have just three days left to apply – follow the link below to find out more about the challenges and submit your application. 

Hear from robotics and autonomous systems experts at IMechE seminar 

Despite the remarkable advances made in robotics and autonomous systems in recent years, the industry still faces an uphill challenge to realise their ultimate potential in offshore wind O&M.

This IMechE event on  Thursday 23rd May is bringing together leading organisations to explore the cutting edge of developments in the sector, and how the engineering challenges around robotics and autonomous systems can be addressed. The Catapult's resident robotics expert Tony Fong will be discussing the application of robotics in offshore wind, alongside representative from Catapult collaborators like Rovco, Cyberhawk, and ASV Global.

Book your place below, read IMechE's interview with Tony here, and download our Analysis & Insight paper, Autonomous Systems in O&M: Removing the Barriers to BVLOS here.

University Challenge: Circuit Magazine focuses on our academic engagement

 It's time for offshore renewables to climb the digital maturity ladder, says Catapult expert

The adoption of data and digitalisation in offshore renewables has the potential to lead to greater efficiencies and significant cost reduction. 

The emergence of big data and digitalisation as a transformer of the global economy has been one of the key industrial trends of recent years.

In 2018, the Government’s Industrial Strategy identified artificial intelligence and data as one of its four Grand Challenges, providing clear evidence of the technology’s emerging importance and highlighting its transformational potential.

For the offshore wind, wave and tidal energy sectors, the technology provides endless opportunities for innovation. From reducing turbine downtime through predictive maintenance, to improving health and safety through better weather and wave height forecasting, the industry is still scratching the surface of the potential benefits.

Our latest Analysis & Insight paper, by Peter van Heck, provides a high-level introduction to the digital revolution for professionals in the offshore wind, wave and tidal energy industries, and explores the key technologies being used and developed by the Catapult’s Data & Digitalisation team to fully exploit the industry’s opportunity.