Wave Energy Scotland (WES) has launched the call for control systems suitable for use with a variety of wave energy converters.
Advanced control systems have the potential to play a vital role in the realization of cost-effective wave energy generation technology as they should increase the energy capture capacity of wave device, detect and protect it from storms, whilst also reducing costs, according to WES.
This call for feasibility study proposals, launched on April 5, 2017, represents the first of 3 stages in WES’ control systems program, and up to 100% of project costs, via a contract for research and development services, are available.
WES is offering up to £47,000 per project lasting up to 3 months, noting that the applicants are free to contribute further funds if desired.
The deadline for the applications to the call has been set for June 12, 2017.
Tim Hurst, Managing Director of WES, encouraged the applications from technology developers from other sectors, as it is likely that suitable technologies already exist in sectors such as robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, aerospace, automotive, mining, offshore and subsea vessel stability and maneuvering.
Paul Wheelhouse , Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, said: “I am delighted the Scottish government’s funding of this innovative program is allowing WES to issue a fourth call for controls systems, the last essential component for wave energy converters. This call will draw power take-off, novel wave energy converters and materials projects together and start the integration process to create devices that will be ready for testing at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney in the future.”
Tim Hurst added: “This call for control systems offers us a further opportunity to make connections with a new selection of companies. There is every possibility that suitable systems already exist in other sectors, and we would like to encourage applications from these technology developers. Companies who join WES at stage 1 will have access to considerable funding for concepts at later stages if they are successful in passing the stage-gate evaluations within our program.”
An interactive webinar will be held on April 12, and a brokerage event is organized for May 12, 2017, in Edinburgh as part of the application process, WES said. Both the webinar and brokerage event require registration.
The contact awards for this call are expected to be made on October 26, 2017.