CGEN Engineering, a new spinout from the University of Edinburgh, has launched a lightweight, stackable generator system designed to convert mechanical energy from offshore wind, wave, and tidal technologies into electricity. This innovative modular system not only promises to enhance the efficiency of renewable energy installations but also aims to extend their operational lifespan.
Unlike conventional generator systems, CGEN’s modular design allows individual components to be added, replaced, or relocated without disrupting overall operations. This flexibility ensures that energy companies can maintain continuous production and perform upgrades over time without the need for extensive downtimes or major overhauls.
The generator technology, developed by Professor Markus Mueller of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, was further refined with contributions from Dr. Joseph Burchell, CGEN’s managing director and Research Fellow, and mechanical engineer Mike Galbraith. The team has successfully tested the technology at scales up to one megawatt, sufficient to power hundreds of homes.
CGEN’s system could significantly benefit offshore renewable installations, potentially reducing the average cost of energy produced by 10% to 15%. Additionally, it has the potential to extend the operational life of these installations by 30% to 40% compared to traditional systems, while also slashing lifetime operating and maintenance costs by 50% to 70%.
With the UK Government’s commitment to doubling onshore wind capacity and quadrupling offshore wind installations by 2030, the demand for new technology is urgent, with estimates suggesting the need for over 10,000 additional turbines.
Dr. Burchell highlighted the technology’s role in addressing critical gaps in the UK’s offshore renewable energy supply chain. “We aim to collaborate closely with manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers to scale up the production of our technology, ultimately expanding the Scottish and UK supply chains to meet the growing needs of the sector,” he stated.
CGEN Engineering is backed by Edinburgh Innovations, the university’s commercialization service, and has been working with various companies to refine and test its technology. One notable collaboration is with the university start-up Mocean Energy, which has integrated CGEN’s generator technology into its BlueX wave energy converter.
Dr. Andrea Taylor, CEO of Edinburgh Innovations, expressed enthusiasm about supporting CGEN’s journey to commercialization. “CGEN’s technology provides solutions to several pressing challenges for offshore renewables, and we look forward to partnering with manufacturers and investors to achieve full commercial scale. Innovation that translates cutting-edge research into practical solutions is crucial in addressing complex global issues like climate change,” she said.
As the world shifts away from fossil fuels, solar and wind energy are becoming increasingly vital in meeting global power demands. Offshore energy, in particular, offers a reliable power source even when sunlight is not available, intensifying competition among companies to develop larger and more efficient offshore technologies.
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