Controllable Floating Module

The MARLIN STAR project assesses the market and social conditions for implementation of floating offshore wind energy generation, storage and transfer in Bangladesh and India. A socio-technical approach will be used to inform the design, to optimise the longevity of future installations, and to enable local operation and maintenance by the communities independently. Numerical analysis and laboratory tests will be conducted at internationally recognised research facilities. A prototype modular floating foundation with a wind turbine will be tested in a reduced water depth 'tow-out' condition in a drydock. The Scope of this project facilitates: • Researchers conducting 'in country' socio-technical research in Bangladesh and India to provide analysis on the market pathway in these countries in terms of affordability, regulatory framework and local technical skill capacity. • Development of a Pilot scale prototype design covering all the main engineering systems and their integration. • Model scale hydrodynamic testing within a specialist physical testing environment to verify design assumption and calculations. This activity will bring validation and reduce prototype build out risk. • Physical construction of a spar type design and demonstration of tow-out condition in a flooded drydock. Therefore, The purpose of the Marlin Star ‘Mid-Stage’ project is the application of the controllable float module innovation to reduce build, transport, installation, and operation and maintenance costs.