Ditrel installs connector prototype for ocean devices at Bimep

Ditrel Industrial has started the trials of its connector solution designed specifically for use with energy converters in marine environment at Bimep.

The device-to-cable connector, dubbed Konekta2, was installed at Bimep late in March, according to Spanish-based engineering company Ditrel Industrial.

The prototype solution for connecting and disconnecting different energy converters in marine environment will stay at Bimep for survival trials for six months.

Ditrel Industrial said the aim was to reduce the associated costs by simplifying the connection operations, and avoiding the use of large vessels or specific underwater vehicles.

The installation is part of the RECODE project, led by Tecnalia and funded under Oceanera-Net initiative, whose aim is to cut costs associated with ocean energy by developing cost effective components specifically designed for the reliable and sustainable delivery of ocean energy.

The project, with a budget of €1.3 million, is expected to further advance four critical components for ocean energy including safety monitoring and control device, wave measurement buoy, umbilical cable monitoring device, and an underwater device-to-cable connector for a floating energy converter.