The US Dept. of Energy announced yesterday (Nov 24) $3.6 million in funding for an ORPC project which proposes a novel hydrokinetic energy system that identifies dynamic couplings between turbine subsystems and components to optimize system mass and performance using control co-design methodologies and design for operation techniques.
- ORPC's project is one of 11 projects funded under the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy's (ARPA-E) Submarine Hydrokinetic and Riverine Kilo-megawatt Systems (SHARKS) program.
- SHARKS teams will develop new economically competitive Hydrokinetic Turbines (HKT) designs for tidal and riverine currents.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) followed up DOE's announcement stating:
- "(ORPC) will use this funding to think creatively about new sources of energy that come right from the water in our own backyard."
- "If we're to combat the climate crisis, we must invest in research projects that help us push new, innovative technologies."
- "(ORPC) invests heavily in rural communities, and since 2010 has brought more than $35 million into Maine by employing local tradespeople, engineers, and other necessary support staff in places like Portland, Eastport, and Lubec."
ORPC's product development activities undertaken in Maine have enabled our entry into global commercial markets, and the RivGen® System in use in Igiugig, Alaska continues as the longest operating current converter system in the U.S.
