EMERGE (Electro-MEchanical Reciprocating GEnerator)
Stage
Stage 3
Project Lead
Umbra Cuscinetti S.p.A.
Project Sub-Contractors
University of Edinburgh, Green Marine (UK) Ltd, Hebrides Marine Services Ltd, Supply Design Ltd, Seapower Scrl, JGC Engineering & Technical Services Ltd, Bureau Veritas UK Limited (BV), Doosan Babcock Ltd
The Electro-Mechanical Generator (EMG) is an innovative direct-drive system able to convert linear, reciprocating motion into electricity. It is based on the integration of a recirculating ballscrew and a permanent magnet generator.
In the EMERGE project, the EMG will undergo testing both in relevant and operational environments to reach a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7. In particular, it will first be bench tested with a Hardware-In-the-Loop (HWIL) configuration while submerged in synthetic salt water. Then, it will be integrated with a point-pivoted Wave Energy Converter (WEC) and undergo sea trials in the Orkney Islands. This project will allow developing engineering solutions for survivability in the marine environment and give valuable information concerning the EMG performance in real sea conditions.