MODELLING RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION CAPABILITY OF A NOVEL OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE SYSTEM

Introduction

Th e potential for offshore renewable energy integration with floating aquaculture becomes operationally and economically very attractive as the industry moves further from the coast.  The integration of the two technologies provides multiple benefits including reduced carbon footprint, reduced logistical challenges and crucially cost of production reduction. A renewable powered offshore aquaculture system in deep water however presents some integration challenges that have not yet been addressed.

Study Description

This study selects an Atlantic salmon farm off the west coast of Ireland as a case study for renewable energy technology integration. The  power consumption of a novel offshore floating finfish system is simulated and calibrated with existing power consumption data from traditional finfish site. The renewable resources of wind, wave and solar from the site are collated and available renewable power form each is calculated. Renewable power technology solutions based  on  a range of  renewable technologies are compared including the use of hybrid power solutio ns i.e. battery banks. Wave tank testing of the hybrid concepts is undertasken to assess the structural and hydrodynamic response of converting the floating offshore aquaculture system to renewable power, Figure 1.