QED Naval has launched the Subhub operational model last week at Forth Estuary Engineering’s dock in Leith, UK.
The Subhub tidal foundations platform is designed to commission, test, transport, install, and secure a mini array of wave and tidal turbines to the seabed.
The crew finalized the setup of the ballast systems, instrumentation, and the dock access and testing arrangements ahead of deployment.
The Subhub will now be tested for the stability during installation, ballast system control and installation/retrieval methods.
Jeremy Smith , the Director of QED Naval, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into getting the Subhub project to this point which is a credit to the team and supporting companies. The Operations model represents a big step forward for the Subhub project de-risking the ballast system and installation/retrieval methods which is a key selling point used to reduce the cost of deployment and overall the cost of energy.”
The fabrication of the device started in April, and this operational prototype will be used to test the systems that allow it to ballast and de-ballast itself which in turn will enable tidal turbine installation and retrieval at reduced time and cost, according to QED Naval.
QED Naval is an Edinburgh-based naval architecture consultancy that is focused on the development of the marine renewable energy industry and the vessel requirements for deployment of offshore wind, wave and tidal devices.
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Image: QED Naval