New marine energy tech is put to the test at Harris Hydraulics Lab
Our take
At the University of Washington's Harris Hydraulics Lab, researchers are undertaking a crucial experiment that merges innovation with ecological stewardship: simulating the interactions between underwater turbines and marine life. This endeavor, conducted in partnership with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), aims to address a pressing concern in the realm of renewable energy. As we push forward with marine energy technologies, understanding their impact on aquatic ecosystems becomes increasingly vital. This initiative is reminiscent of other conservation efforts, such as those discussed in the article UW researchers decipher beluga calls to bolster conservation efforts, which highlight the importance of communication in protecting vulnerable species.
The significance of this research cannot be overstated. As we transition to cleaner energy sources, the integration of underwater turbines offers a promising solution to our energy needs. However, the potential risks to marine animals must be taken into account. By simulating collisions in a controlled environment, researchers are proactively seeking to identify and mitigate risks before these technologies are deployed in natural habitats. This approach not only safeguards marine wildlife but also fosters public trust in emerging technologies. As the article about the Court Rules Texas State Must Reinstate Prof Fired for Israel-Palestine Talk suggests, transparency and accountability in research are essential for fostering a community that values both innovation and ethical responsibility.
This research also serves as an important reminder of the complexities involved in balancing technological advancement with ecological preservation. The marine environment is not just a backdrop for energy generation; it is a vibrant ecosystem that supports countless species and livelihoods. The collaboration between UW and PNNL exemplifies a community-focused approach to science, one that prioritizes the well-being of both humans and marine life. This is especially relevant as the demand for renewable energy grows, necessitating a thoughtful examination of how we harness natural resources. The commitment to understanding and mitigating the effects of underwater turbines on marine life reflects a broader trend in research that values sustainable practices.
Looking ahead, the implications of this research extend beyond the immediate context of underwater turbines. As we confront climate change, the need for innovative energy solutions will only increase. The findings from the Harris Hydraulics Lab could set a precedent for future marine energy projects, illustrating the importance of integrating ecological considerations into energy development. This raises an important question: How can we ensure that technological advancements in renewable energy continue to prioritize ecological health as we push for broader adoption? As this research progresses, it will be essential to monitor its impacts and to engage in ongoing dialogue about the intersection of energy, technology, and the environment.
In conclusion, the work being done at the Harris Hydraulics Lab is not just an academic exercise; it represents a critical step toward a more sustainable energy future. By examining the potential interactions between underwater turbines and marine life, researchers are not only addressing immediate concerns but are also paving the way for responsible innovation. As we continue to explore renewable energy solutions, the insights gained from this research will be invaluable in shaping a future that respects both our energy needs and the ecosystems that sustain us.
At the University of Washington Harris Hydraulics Lab, an odd scene plays out. Over and over again, researchers from the UW and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) pass a small rubber model of a marine animal through a large tank filled with flowing water and fitted with a spinning turbine. On some runs, the model bonks against the turbine blades; on others, it receives a glancing blow or sails past undisturbed. When bonks or knicks occur, a small collision sensor on one of the turbine’s blades detects the impacts and plots the interactions in a computer program.
The researchers are repeatedly simulating something that they hope will rarely happen in the wild: a collision between marine wildlife like a seabird, seal, fish or whale — or submerged debris like logs — and an underwater turbine.
“We want to make sure we’re minimizing the chances of a collision in the first place,” said Aidan Hunt, a senior research engineer in mechanical engineering at the UW and member of the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC). “But if a collision were to occur, we want to be able to detect it, and potentially avoid it, in real time. The available evidence suggests that collisions are rare, but we’re taking a ‘trust-but-verify’ approach.”
Marine energy — power harvested from tides, waves and currents — has enormous potential as a clean, renewable resource. But more information is needed about how large, commercial installations of underwater turbines or power-generating buoys could affect marine wildlife, whether through increased noise in the environment, habitat change or direct interactions with equipment.
The marine collision experiments are part of the Triton Initiative, a collection of projects led by PNNL to study the environmental impact of marine energy.
The work at Harris Hydraulics follows a recent study of marine animal interactions by PNNL and the UW Applied Physics Lab using a four-foot-tall prototype turbine installed at the entrance to Sequim Bay. In that study, researchers trained an underwater camera on the turbine for 109 days and then catalogued every instance of an animal approaching or interacting with the turbine. The camera captured more than 1,000 instances of fish, birds and seals approaching the turbine blades. There were only four collisions, and all were small fish.
“This study was a first step, but a promising one,” said co-author Chris Bassett, a research scientist at the UW Applied Physics Lab. “We didn’t see any endangered species in our study, and the risk of collision for seals and sea birds seemed to be quite low. We’re excited to get back out there with the camera and learn even more.”
The Sequim Bay experiment generated hours of valuable data, but that degree of intense monitoring may not be practical in large commercial installations in the future. Cheaper impact sensors, like the ones logging bath toy impacts at Harris Hydraulics, could be a solution, researchers say.
The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower & Hydrokinetics Office, through the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Triton Initiative and the TEAMER program.
For more information, contact Hunt at ahunt94@uw.edu or Emma Cotter at emma.cotter@pnnl.gov.
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