Project acronym:AQUAGEN Grant Agreement no. 262315
Drafting date: 5-10-2010
SEVENTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME
FP7-SME-2010-1 Grant agreement for:
Research for SMEs
Annex I - “Description of Work”
PART A Project acronym: AquaGen Project full title: Development of cost effective power take off system for marine energy applications
Grant agreement no.: 262315 Version: Date of preparation of Annex I (latest version): Date of approval of Annex I by Commission:
10.0 5/10/2010 12/10/2010
A1 Project summary Abstract The group of SME participants in the AQUAGEN project aims to address a major market opportunity by developing a power take-off (PTO) system targeted at marine energy applications, enabling significantly improved reliability and efficiency of around 33%, and with a reduction of 25% in Operation and Maintenance costs, when compared with currently available solutions. Since it is a water-based PTO system, the risks of oil leaks in the ocean will also be fully eliminated. The system and components developed will have a broad range of applications, from wave energy, as the main application area, to water desalination and small hydro power generation, and will therefore benefit a European value chain of SMEs specialized in engineering and green energy generation. To achieve our objectives, we need to develop new scientific knowledge in: design of innovative system components such as a variable speed generator, an adaptive blade turbine, elastomeric structures and the overall hydraulic system; protective coatings for marine environments; modeling the ageing of elastomeric structures; and wireless controlled monitoring of offshore moving equipment. Due to the technical challenges of testing the system, there was a conscious decision to hold the activities of AQUAGEN during a 3 year period. Whilst the SMEs form a supply chain for the manufacture of the ultimate PTO system we have neither the facilities nor the resources to undertake the necessary R&D. The Research for SMEs funding instrument provides the ideal solution, allowing us to outsource the R&D to four RTD Performers – BHR, NTUA, UM and CMG. The Foreground Intellectual Property (FIP) generated in the AQUAGEN project will be owned and exploited by the SMEs, envisaging several market segments and a geographical distribution of non-exclusive licenses for markets outside Europe. The SMEs will benefit from sales and licensing of the FIP to profit €250million over a five year postproject period.
FP7-SME-2010-1
Page 1