Innovation Exchange Challenge: Autonomous Geophysical 3D Characterisation for Offshore Wind Subsea Surveys

Background

Considering the cost constraints of developing an offshore wind farm that can usually be composed of between 30-100 turbine positions in an area of usually between 100 and 400 km2, typically a 2D survey is procured. On sites with complex terrain and high horizontal and vertical uncertainty in ground conditions (e.g. boulders, UXO), this can be problematic because challenging areas are not found prior to installing the turbine foundations. Considering a 2D subsea survey may not provide a complete, continuous picture of the shallow subsurface, which is paramount for accurately characterizing the subsurface and identifying potential hazards. This can lead to issues during installation or extra survey requirements post survey but prior to installation (because the data initially retrieved is of a poorer grade, and a more detailed image must be acquired). Recent advances in survey and processing technology allow for 3D UHR surveys be acquired for offshore wind surveys, which can greatly enhance subsurface resolution and reduce uncertainty, cost, and delivery timeframes.

The challenge

Ocean Winds is seeking solutions that can provide a 3D UHR survey of an offshore wind site at the outset, in order to improve the data interpretability and availability during the early development of the wind farms. The objective is to achieve reduced uncertainty, risk and eventually costs. Moreover, OW is looking for an automated system that can reduce the amount of resources (vessels, time and people) required in a conventional subsea survey, to increase safety and reduce costs of the whole procedure. This can be driven by either or all of the following:

• Automating the vessel, i.e. moving operational control from the vessel to the office or delivery vehicle to reduce transportation costs, by for instance offering an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)
• Improving the sensors aboard the vessel to capture 3D data more efficiently.
• Improving the speed and power requirements of data processing after data is collected.
• Other innovative approach to the known methods.

Eligibility

Entrants to this competition must be:

• Established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs
• UK based or have the intention to set up a UK base

Rewards & Marketing

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to Ocean Winds. Selected solutions may be trialled by Ocean Winds with potential for further adoption if trials are successful.

The solution has potential to be deployed across Ocean Winds sites and is applicable to the entire global offshore wind industry.

The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include the following from Innovate UK Business Connect:

• Support identifying the route for development of a prototype or pilot
• Technical support
• Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events
• Investor introductions (if investment is required)
• Support if any Innovate UK or similar competitions are relevant.