ORE Catapult targets grid emulation for tidal testing

 
ORE Catapult is looking to procure a fully containerized grid emulation system that will be used for the testing of wind and marine renewable energy devices.

Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult is seeking a contractor that can design, supply, deliver, install, test and commission a grid emulation system, including cabling and containment, at its test facility in Blyth, UK, according to the Welsh government’s procurement portal, Sell2Wales.

The grid emulation system will allow ORE Catapult to conduct electrical power quality test, with the possibility of accelerated validation of wind and marine renewable energy devices in a controlled environment.

This is expected to reduce time to market, improve reliability and mitigate the risks associated with deployment of these devices, according to ORE Catapult.

The emulation system will be used in the 15MW wind turbine nacelle/powertrain test facility, and 3MW marine nacelle/powertrain test facility.

The main requirement for the grid emulation system is to able to accommodate a minimum of 13MW wind turbine output.

The deadline date for applications to tender has been set for January 31, 2017.

ORE Catapult was established in 2013 by the UK government as its flagship technology innovation and research center for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.