Observation & Operations

Observation & Operations focuses on applying innovative technologies in observation and monitoring to enhance and integrate Ireland’s Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) test sites, as well as on the development of remote monitoring and inspection systems for MRE devices and installations. The research covers the development of advanced inspection and operation systems, operations of offshore airborne wind energy technologies, optimisation of offshore wind turbine array operations, ocean observation, and marine infrastructure monitoring and control. The development of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) with smart cameras and sonars, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to operate in challenging conditions, such as strong wave and current, will substantially reduce the cost of inspection and intervention of MRE projects. Ocean observation aims to improve the forecasting of weather, wind, tidal current, surge, electrical storm, etc. by streaming LIDAR, satellite radar and met-ocean data to a High Performance Computing (HPC) environment for data fusion. Marine Infrastructure Monitoring and Control develops the marine communication and remote presence monitoring and control necessary to protect large investments in MRE capital infrastructure, thus ensuring the infrastructure is operated for the best economic energy production and minimising risks while protecting the environment.