Inspenet, September 11, 2023.
The Spanish technology center Ceit, in collaboration with the companies Ingeteam, Enerocean, Plocan and Lurederra, has started the HarshMoP project, which aims to develop solutions to address the deterioration in “offshore” platforms that operate on the high seas, that is, those that have no direct connection to the mainland.
These structures play a critical role in deepwater renewable energy generation, but face significant challenges such as corrosion, which can lead to serious structural problems.
Although some have protective coatings, these have limitations in terms of their durability and mechanical properties. Therefore, constant monitoring of these structures becomes of utmost importance. However, carrying out this control in these areas is expensive due to the large area that the monitoring systems must cover, in addition to the access difficulties inherent to these places.
Currently, there are no tools that can comprehensively monitor defects, are non-intrusive, and operate autonomously.
It is in this context that the HarshMop consortium emerges as part of the Public-Private Collaboration Program within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, with the purpose of addressing these challenges.
The main objective of HarshMop is to develop a monitoring system that combines corrosion monitoring with turbine monitoring , incorporating data related to physical and chemical parameters of the sea, as well as meteorological and oceanographic data.
The HarshMoP project proposes to use ultrasound technology in conjunction with UWB (Ultra-Wide-Band) and LF (Low-Frequency) wireless communications to monitor damage . Ceit will be in charge of developing this technology that will enable precise measurements of the thickness of the material and the transmission of data both on the surface and under water.
In addition, this initiative seeks to strengthen this system by creating new coatings to improve corrosion protection in the structures of floating platforms .
In this context, the consortium proposes the design and creation of a nanocoating with anticorrosive properties for metal substrates, with the purpose of increasing their useful life. Unlike current coatings, it is intended to use hybrid formulations with a predominance of inorganic components, which will allow a more versatile application, lower energy consumption in application and hardening, as well as a lower addition of weight to the treated parts and platforms. .
Innovation for monitoring corrosion on maritime platforms
The technology center explains that its proposal seeks to be adaptable and operate autonomously for long periods of time. To achieve this, they are considering specific applications, since defects can vary depending on use, different areas of interest or the environmental conditions to which the construction is exposed, such as splashes or the surrounding atmosphere.
According to its description, it is a unique corrosion monitoring system, since currently there is no other system that operates continuously and allows accurate and reliable thickness measurements to be made in short time intervals. In addition, it operates and transmits data on the thickness loss and structural health of the wind turbine to the cloud.
“With all this, it is expected that the project will reduce costs, optimize maintenance and increase the useful life of offshore structures, promoting the generation of renewable energy and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases,” they point out. “They are expected to be more efficient, safer and sustainable in the future.”
Early detection of damage to offshore platforms is crucial to ensure their structural integrity and prolong their useful life. This not only reduces safety risks, but also contributes to the sustainability and efficiency of offshore renewable energy generation. In that sense, HarshMop offers a really promising proposal.
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