Harnessing moon energy from Earth is challenging, but possible with the right engineering. Global bearing producer SKF in collaboration with Minesto, a pioneering ocean energy developer, has intensified the efforts to harness tidal energy in the Faroe Islands by piloting the Dragon 12 kite system. This moon energy base will kick off the Faroe Islands Space Program, firmly grounded on Earth.
When installed and connected to the bottom of the sea, the kite — Dragon 12 also called LUNA — operates under extreme harsh conditions that put stress on both materials and components.
“With the SKF sensors we monitor the bearings on the turbine shaft. By monitoring the bearings, you get information also from the surrounding system as vibrations are transmitted through the bearings,” says Yvonne Rydberg, application engineer, SKF.
In the development of the Dragon 12, an efficient method involves using SimPro Quick to create calculation models for the turbine, rudders, and generator. SimPro Quick is an SKF software tool for evaluating and optimizing bearing arrangements.
“Minesto’s engineers could make the calculation models themselves using SimPro Quick and then send them to me for feedback and discussions. This is a very time efficient way of working,” says Yvonne Rydberg.
When developing the Dragon 12 kite, the SKF tool Product Select was used to give a first rough estimation of bearing sizes in the rudders. Product Select enabled us to compare several solutions, not only sizes but also some different bearing types.
“You simply put in your bearings and operating conditions and then Product select calculates for example minimum load, bearing load, grease life, relubrication interval and bearing rating life. You even get an estimation of the CO2 emissions of the SKF product meaning that you can compare different solutions not only from a technical perspective but also from a sustainability point of view”, says Yvonne Rydberg.
Using Product Select in the beginning was a very quick and easy way to get started. Product Select is that competent that in many cases you don’t need another software tool to design your bearing arrangement.
“The collaboration with SKF to overcome these challenges has been both a learning experience and inspirational. This allows us to make a qualified estimate of the performance, providing critical information that guides the following work. Doing everything right from the start means that we were able to cut down on both cost and our environmental impact,” says Bernt Erik Westre, CTO at Minesto.
Facts SKF products used in The Faroe Island space program
· Product select is a SKF software tool that supports evaluating and selecting SKF products. Product Select is available for bearings, housings, seals and lubrication.
· SimPro Quick is a SKF software tool for evaluating and optimizing bearing arrangements. It allows customers and other users to perform detailed performance evaluations of bearing arrangements based on specific requirements and conditions.
· SKF sensors are installed on the turbine in the D12. The sensors measure vibrations and temperature during operation to monitor the turbine and detect abnormal frequencies. This enables planned maintenance and avoids bearing damage and unplanned downtime.
· SKF bearings are installed in the applications inside the kite such as rudders and turbines.
· The rudders are equipped with SKF Sealing System to prevent water and other contaminants from entering into the applications.
Learn more about the Faroe Islands space program
Disclaimers
20% of the world’s energy production is used to overcome friction. Source: Holmberg, K., Erdemir, A. Influence of tribology on global energy consumption, costs and emissions. Friction 5, 263–284 (20171) (alt. How is bearing selection affecting your industry’s CO2 footprint? | SKF)
Calculated on an example villa with an energy consumption of 17.000 kWh/year. For average consumption data, please refer to country-specific sources such as Vattenfall
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