At HarshLab the atmosphere, the ocean and the underwater ecosystem are continuosly monitored providing the context for understanding everything else being measured.

Using GNSS and inertial measurements, we continuously track all six degrees of freedom of the platform, creating the foundation for model validation, structural assessment and digital twins. 

One interesting challenge is mooring load estimation.

Today we monitor line inclinations and compare them with numerical models.

In parallel, we are developing a virtual sensing approach, using structural strain measurements together with finite element models to estimate mooring loads from the platform response itself. With internal and external strain gauges.

HarshLab helps us develop the next generation of offshore monitoring methods.

The dynamic cable is one of the most challenging element in a grid connected floating device.

To understand how it behaves, we monitor its shape at several locations, using four inclinometers, from the bend stiffener, through the lazy-wave section, all the way to the touchdown zone.

The dynamic cable connection linking any floating element to the seabed is one of the Achilles heels of ocean energy. HarshLab has three connector spaces at the bottom of the hull, one of which is occupied by the 690V trifasic cable that powers the laboratory, a second one is providing grid connection to IDOM’s MARMOK-A OWC, while the other is free for customer testing under the demanding wave conditions recorded at Bimep. This is undoubtedly one of HarshLab’s strengths for ocean energy collectors.

The bend stiffener is one of the most critical fatigue hotspots in the entire system.
Here, our focus is on curvature monitoring. 
We are measuring the same physical quantity using different sensing technologies, including conventional strain gauges and fibre optic sensing 
This provides valuable redundancy and creates a unique dataset for comparing and validating different monitoring approaches under real offshore conditions.