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ÉireComposites (Galway, Ireland), with partners (ORPC) in Dublin, Ireland and the University of Galway’s Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (ASMME) group, is leading the TidalHeath project, which is targeting a new benchmark in tidal energy technology to ensure robust, reliable and cost-effective renewable energy solutions.

Specifically, TidalHealth will involve the integration of optical fiber sensors and 3D printing technology into composite tidal turbine foils. Fabrication of these sensor networks will enable continuous structural health monitoring (SHM) of these systems along the entire length of the optical fiber for real-time structural assessment. The project aims to advance fiber optic sensors, particularly those using grating technology, to enable real-time damage detection and performance optimization.

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TidalHealth builds on ORPC’s previous success with fiber optic sensors in the and LOGIC-TIDE tidal turbine development, seeking to further enhance the capabilities of SHM in marine energy applications.

Key innovations in the project include the development of novel 3D printed sensors, optimization of the tidal foil design and comprehensive structural testing to validate reliability and ensure robust performance in real-world conditions. The project also aims to develop cost-effective, high-volume production processes to facilitate global tidal turbine deployment.

For related content, read “ORPC Ireland, Queen’s begin X-Flow project for hydrokinetic turbine testing”

Each partner is dedicated to advancing tidal energy technology. ÉireComposites designs manufactures and tests fiber-reinforced composite structures, with an international blue-chip customer base of more than 70 companies in the aerospace and renewable energy sectors. The ASMME group focuses on the development of advanced composite and polymer materials, along with advanced manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing and 3D printing. ORPC is centered around hydrokinetic power system technology and project development, focusing on marine renewable energy (MRE) opportunities in the European market. ORPC has deployed eight full-scale power systems in North America.

This project is funded by the 2024 SEAI National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RDD) Funding Program.