IHCantabria and Mondragon University reinforce their commitment to innovation and join forces to promote innovation in marine energy

With this collaborative initiative, IHCantabria and its partners advance their goal of accelerating the integration of marine renewable energies through the development of infrastructures, methodologies and scientific capabilities for laboratory and open sea testing.

The Environmental Hydraulics Institute of the University of Cantabria (IHCantabria) and the University of Mondragon have launched an experimental collaboration within the framework of the MAR+ project, whose main objectives are to provide Spain with a certified testing system capable of reducing technological risks and to accelerate the industrial deployment of marine energy converters.

The tests are being carried out in the channel of the School of Civil Engineering of the University of Cantabria, on a 1:13 scale replica of a section of the Mutriku dock, which includes 4 of the 16 OWC (Oscillating Water Column) chambers. This physical model, built in methacrylate and equipped with more than 40 pressure and level sensors, allows to reproduce with maximum precision the real conditions of the marine environment.

A unique physical model for research

The model, designed and equipped by IHCantabria, reproduces with high fidelity the behavior of four oscillating water column chambers (OWC) of the Mutriku wave power plant, the first wave power plant in Europe to commercialize the electricity generated since its commissioning in 2011.

In this collaborative campaign between complementary teams, IHCantabria focuses its efforts on the hydrodynamic characterization of the device; while the University of Mondragon studies the behavior of the turbine by means of a diaphragm system designed to reproduce its response in laboratory conditions.

PTO power conversion system simulation innovation

The methodology developed by Mondragon is based on a diaphragm that emulates the pneumatic response of the PTO system, opening new possibilities for the validation of control strategies. This approach complements IHCantabria’s hydrodynamic studies and contributes to the creation of an integral experimental base, which will serve for the development and optimization of wave technologies.

This collaboration represents a step forward in the shared commitment to innovation and knowledge transfer in marine renewable energies. For Mondragon, it also means the opportunity to test its methodology in a large-scale physical model and with equipment of international reference.

A common future in marine energy

With initiatives such as this one, IHCantabria and its partners advance in their goal of accelerating the integration of marine renewable energies through the development of infrastructures, methodologies and scientific capabilities for laboratory and open sea testing.

With MAR+, BiMEP and IHCantabria are moving decisively towards their strategic objective: to accelerate the integration of marine renewable energies through the development of infrastructures, methodologies and scientific capabilities for laboratory and open sea testing. A commitment to excellence and collaboration to meet the challenges of sustainable development in the marine environment with guarantees.

Collaboration campaign between complementary teams of IHCantabria and Mondragon University.