Scottish Enterprise invests in renewable energy
25 July 2012
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde are set to help Scotland meet its renewable energy targets by improving the performance of offshore wind farms, following investment from Scottish Enterprise.
An offshore wind farm. Photo credit: Elsam A/S
The funding has helped to secure a new experimental rig facility to test offshore wind condition monitoring technologies, allowing researchers to develop innovative techniques to improve the availability of offshore wind farms and reduce the need for expensive, reactive maintenance.
The new facility, based at the University’s £2.6m Centre for Advanced Condition Monitoring, will initially focus on technology to monitor the condition of offshore gearboxes, including advanced remote sensors to detect how they are being affected by extreme wind conditions.
Professor Scott MacGregor, Dean of the University’s Faculty of Engineering, said: “The Centre for Advanced Condition Monitoring is geared to play an important role in helping to meet renewable energy targets for Scotland and will provide cost effective technology that maximises the potential of offshore installations.
“This investment from Scottish Enterprise is a fantastic boost for the centre and will allow researchers at Strathclyde to lead the way, collaborating with industry to enhance Scotland’s reputation as world leader in renewable energy.”
The Centre for Advanced Condition Monitoring is part of the Scottish Energy Laboratory that was launched to strengthen collaboration across Scotland’s key test and demonstration facilities.
This network of facilities has a combined investment value of £250m across all key energy sectors and will be a hub for national and international companies to identify and access the most appropriate of Scotland’s test and demonstration facilities for their technologies.
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