Importance
Energy production and consumption are vital components of the economy, serving diverse needs in various forms such as processed fuels or electricity, and for different purposes like transportation or electricity generation. Robust energy infrastructure is crucial to meet these demands. Energy sources fall into two main categories: conventional and non-conventional. The anticipated significant growth in non-conventional energy sources underscores the importance of adapting to future energy trends. Conventional sources encompass coal, oil, gas, and nuclear power, while non-conventional sources include solar, wind, hydro, wave, hydrogen, biomass, geothermal, and tidal energy. The projected substantial expansion in non-conventional energy sources highlights the need for embracing and adapting to sustainable energy trends.
Vision
To establish a resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure that ensures universal access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy sources through innovation while minimizing environmental impact
Expertise Available with CSIR-SERC
CSIR-SERC recently completed a project on "Engineering large floating offshore structures for renewable energy farming." They aimed to enhance the structural stability of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) through two methods: modifying the floating platform and incorporating a tuned mass damper (TMD) in the turbine nacelle. Heave plates were added to the platform to reduce vibrations. A comprehensive framework was developed for designing an optimal TMD, considering model uncertainties and physical constraints, and was validated using real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS). A coupled dynamic analysis of a semisubmersible 5 MW FOWT was conducted under various design load cases (DLC) as per IEC standards, considering different environmental conditions, operational and parked states, wind-wave misalignment, and yaw misalignment. The analysis included simulating mooring line failure and assessing the stability and transient response of the FOWT, demonstrating the TMD's effectiveness. A comparative study of different mooring configurations (catenary, taut, and hybrid) for a 5 MW semisubmersible FOWT was performed, finding the hybrid mooring line superior in ultimate, accidental, and fatigue limit states. An extensive investigation into the ultimate loads and dynamic response of a 15 MW semisubmersible FOWT was conducted, considering power production, parked, and fault conditions, as well as yaw and wind-wave misalignment and second-order wave forces. The study also analysed the dynamic behaviour with redundant and non-redundant mooring systems.
CSIR-SERC has extensive expertise in the area of Floating Offshore Solar Farms (FOSFs) as well, offering comprehensive solutions ranging from structural analysis to design implementation. In the structural analysis domain, the FOSF's unit floating structures were examined by connecting several units in a grid formation, with each unit designed to withstand dead, live, and wind loads. The structural analyses are conducted to evaluate the bending moments, shear forces, and axial forces experienced by the members, ensuring robustness and safety. Structural design of unit floating structure members was carried out adhering to design guidelines, utilizing Allowable Stress Design (ASD) principles to ascertain the dimensions of pultruded fibre-reinforced polymer (PFRP) sections. Through calculations and buoyancy assessments, the optimal configuration of the floating unit structure, including PFRP buoys, supporting structures, and solar panels, was determined. The substructure design incorporated hollow cylinders made of high-density polyurethane as buoys, strategically arranged in a grid formation and connected using advanced joint mechanisms such as ball and socket joints and universal joints.
CSIR-SERC demonstrates extensive expertise in assessing the safety and integrity of critical energy infrastructure projects across various domains. CSIR-SERC played a pivotal role in evaluating the safety aspects of dam. One significant project involved assessing the integrity of prestressed Trunnion beams of the radial gates of the spillway structure of the prestigious Polavaram dam project through advanced techniques such as Acoustic Emission (AE) and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. CSIR-SERC was also involved in assessing structural integrity and vibrations of supporting structures for the NEEPCo hydro power station in Arunachal Pradesh. CSIR-SERC consistently contributes to ensuring the safety and reliability of critical energy infrastructure projects across India.
Prototype of Floating Offshore wind turbine model at CSIR-SERC
Designed unit structure for floating offshore solar farm
Integrity assessment of the prestressed Trunnion beams of the spillway structure of the Polavaram dam project through Acoustic Emission (AE) and advanced non-destructive evaluation (NDE) Techniques