Current Energy Harnessing using Synergistic Kinematics of Schools of Fish-Shaped Bodies Award Number: DE-EE0006780 CX(s) Applied: A9, B5.25 Water Power Program Date: 03/03/2016 Location(s): MI Office(s): Golden Field Office
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
March 3, 2016
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Current Energy Harnessing using Synergistic Kinematics of Schools of Fish-Shaped Bodies
Award Number: DE-EE0006780
CX(s) Applied: A9, B5.25
Water Power Program
Date: 03/03/2016
Location(s): MI
Office(s): Golden Field Office
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Vortex Hydro Energy (Vortex) to design, model–test, build, deploy, and field-test the Oscylator marine hydrokinetic energy converter. DOE previously completed a NEPA determination for Task 1.1 and 2.1 as outlined in the original Statement of Projective Objectives (SOPO) of the project (GFO-0006780-001, 12.11.2014). Those tasks included design, fabrication, model testing, analysis and reporting. Not reviewed were tasks 1.2, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, and 4. Since the previous determination Vortex has modified, and DOE has approved the modification of, the SOPO for this proposed project. The modified SOPO adds new subtasks 2.1.8 and 2.1.9, and eliminates tasks 3.1 and 3.2.1-3.2.6, but keeps subtask 3.2.7. Thus, this determination is for all remaining tasks, which are: subtasks 2.1.8 and 2.1.9; all tasks under 1.2 and 2.2; subtask 3.2.7; and, task 4.
Under task 1.2 Vortex would test the efficiency in marine hydro kinetic energy conversion of oscylator cylinders in tandem and staggered. The tests would occur at the University of Michigan marine renewable energy lab (MRELab). The MRELab is a purpose built facility that includes an approximate 3 foot by 3 foot water test loop designed to test equipment such as the cylinders. The tests would include testing 2, 3, and 4 cylinder arrangements. Task 1.2 is a continuation of task 1.1 which tested cylinder arrangements at the test lab in tandem. Task 1.2 would test the same cylinders in tandem and staggered.