New generator converts waves into low-cost power

October 11, 2024

Іn a bid to revolutionize the power sector, Edinburgh engineers have developed a new type of generator that could reduce the cost of electricity produced by offshore renewable technologies. 
 
The lightweight, stackable generator system – which converts mechanical energy produced by offshore wind, wave, and tidal technologies into electricity – could also help extend the lifespan of renewable energy installations.

The new spinout company CGEN Engineering developed the modular system, which can be easily transported to renewable energy installations and assembled into a complete power system.

Generating electricity
 
Unlike conventional systems, the new generator allows each module to be added, replaced, or moved individually, meaning energy companies can keep operations running without long downtimes.  
 
The new technology also enables companies to upgrade their systems over time without major overhauls. 
 
The technology was invented by Professor Markus Mueller of the University’s School of Engineering. 

It was developed further with Dr Joseph Burchell, a Research Fellow at the School of Engineering and CGEN’s managing director, and mechanical and manufacturing engineer Mike Galbraith. 
 
The team has tested the technology at scales up to one megawatt, which is enough electricity to supply hundreds of homes. 
 
Renewables installations
 
The technology could deliver a range of benefits for offshore renewables, including reducing the average cost of energy they produce by 10 to 15 percent.

It could also increase the operational life of installations by 30 to 40 percent compared to conventional generator systems while reducing the lifetime operating and maintenance costs for generator installations by 50 to 70 percent. 
 
The UK Government has committed to doubling onshore wind and quadrupling offshore wind installations by 2030, which the team estimates will require more than 10,000 extra turbines. 
 
“We believe our technology directly addresses 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,” Dr Joseph Burchell said. 
 
Commercial venture
 
Supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialization service, the CGEN team has been working with various companies to design and test their technology. 
 
The technology was invented by Professor Markus Mueller of the University’s School of Engineering.  
 
It was developed further with Dr Joseph Burchell, a Research Fellow at the School of Engineering and CGEN’s managing director, and mechanical and manufacturing engineer Mike Galbraith. 
 
The team has tested the technology at scales up to one megawatt, which is enough electricity to supply hundreds of homes. 
 
Renewables installations
 
The technology could deliver a range of benefits for offshore renewables, including reducing the average cost of energy they produce by 10 to 15 percent.

It could also increase the operational life of installations by 30 to 40 percent compared to conventional generator systems while reducing the lifetime operating and maintenance costs for generator installations by 50 to 70 percent. 
 
The UK Government has committed to doubling onshore wind and quadrupling offshore wind installations by 2030, which the team estimates will require more than 10,000 extra turbines. 
 
“We believe our technology directly addresses 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,” Dr Joseph Burchell said. 
 
Commercial venture
 
Supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialization service, the CGEN team has been working with various companies to design and test their technology.

These include the university start-up Mocean Energy, which uses CGEN’s generator technology in its BlueX wave energy machine. 
 
“We are delighted to have supported the CGEN team through to company formation. CGEN’s technology provides a solution to several ‘pain points’ for offshore renewables and we look forward to working with manufacturers and investors to reach full commercial scale. It is through innovation – translating cutting-edge research into solutions to global challenges – that we will make progress in tackling complex problems like climate change,” Dr Andrea Taylor, CEO of Edinburgh Innovations, said. 
 
Solar and wind energy have become increasingly important in meeting global power needs as the world transitions away from fossil fuels. 
 
Offshore energy is a crucial component of the renewable energy mix, providing a steady stream of power even when the sun is not shining.

For this reason, the competition to build larger and more powerful offshore technology is heating up.