RIFT Supporting Innovative Offshore Power Generation

Industry :                   Power Generation

Client :                        Seaticity via Partner Severn Subsea (Severn Glocon)

Product :                    RAM

Summary

RIFT was approached by a partner (Severn Subsea) in 2018 to assist in aspects of the automation of an offshore power generation buoy. The buoy, to be tethered in the Irish Sea, utilises wave and tidal movements to generate electricity.

Overwiew

RIFT’s partner is a highly experienced solution provider in the offshore space. Supporting the development of an innovative power generation buoy to both generate electricity and support navigation the Seatricity buoy was an exciting project. With a 12 month development cycle and a 2 year sea trial to plan for, RIFT was engaged to handle the automation of the valve controlling the ballast in the buoy.

Challenge

Offshore, subject to submersion of up to 10 meters, these represent key challenges. The buoy runs internally from a 24V DC power rail but has minimal internal power available. Configurable torque and proportional control were requirements for the fine control of the buoy ballast system. Low maintenance and long life are also a key requirement and add to the engineering difficulties involved.

Solution

A RIFT RAM actuator configured to 100Nm of output torque with 4-20ma modulation, Failsafe in the close position were our base starting point. To deal with the harsh environmental conditions we secondary water sealed the unit and made special attention to unique cable glands suited to the environment.

RIFT closely supported the trial and testing process and supported Severn Subsea and Seatricity through their development cycle. At the one and two year intervals, after the buoy was launched, RIFT had the opportunity to service the actuator and inspect it. RIFT found the actuator to be performing as anticipated and still working as specified.