QinetiQ GRC naval architects in combination with their Paramarine software are working with QED Naval Ltd in the development of a marine platform (Subhub) that is being designed to transport, install, anchor and maintain wave and tidal turbines through life.
This will bring major cost and time advantages to tidal turbine field installations on the sea bed.
QED Naval Ltd was founded in April 2008 with the intent of developing products for the wave and tidal renewable energy industry. Subhub is the first of these products. The primary benefits of the Subhub will be to provide an easy method of retrieving wave & tidal turbines to the surface for maintenance and to significantly increase the speed of deployment from months to days allowing an array of tidal turbines to be installed in minutes.
Tidal energy exploits the natural ebb and flow of coastal tidal waters caused principally by the interaction of the gravitational fields of the earth, moon and sun. The fast sea currents are often magnified by topographical features, such as headlands, inlets and straits, or by the shape of the seabed when water is forced through narrow channels.
“QinetiQ GRC was selected for this work because of their combined experience in early stage design and the extensive and relevant functionality of Paramarine software. Paramarine provides the ability to play with variables and get results back instantaneously. This makes it an excellent tool for early stage design,” said Jeremy Smith, CEO, QED Ltd.
Paramarine is based on over 20 years’ experience in marine design. Thousands of concept vessels have been modelled and their stability analysed using Paramarine. Paramarine is used by many of the world’s leading commercial and naval shipbuilders and ship and submarine designers, as well as some of the leading universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University College London.
“The renewable energy market and the design of vessels to support it is growing very rapidly. We are seeing more and more renewable energy support vessel designers turning to Paramarine. Its extensive surface and underwater design capabilities coupled its early stage design functionality makes it an ideal tool for this market,” Vittorio Vagliani, Managing Director, QinetiQ GRC.