EC-OG Switch On Subsea Power Hub Unit

EC-OG for the first time switched to SPH (Subsea Power Hub), and is fully operational after the installation of Ocean current Energy conversion.

The unit is being tested at EMEC’s Shapinsay sound test site and is currently performing in line with the technical predications. The next step is wireless  monitoring of SPH over the summer months.

The testing validates the technical capability of the system which has been designed to fulfil the need for cost-effective and reliable subsea power. The ground-breaking subsea hybrid drive system uses a combination of a marine energy convertor coupled directly to a lithium based energy storage system.

Engineering Director at EC-OG, Robert Cowman said that although the weather was not on their side, they were still able to successfully complete the installation and commence testing ahead of schedule. The system is performing very well and he is pleased at how quickly the results are correlating with the theoretical basis for the test. Having a vertical axis turbine, means that the SPH is operating effectively in these unpredictable, sporadic flow conditions. Thanks go to the EC-OG team as well as those who have helped us at EMEC, Laesk Marine, Castle View and Scottish Enterprise.

Image Source: EC-OG