The Surface Engineering & Tribology Lab at ORNL Joins TEAMER Facility Network
The Surface Engineering & Tribology Laboratory at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has recently become a part of the U.S. Testing Expertise and Access for Marine Energy Research (TEAMER) facility network. This collaboration aims to enhance developer access to specialized tribology testing for marine energy applications.
The lab at ORNL caters to various marine energy technologies, such as current, tidal, and wave energy systems. It specifically focuses on the installation, structure, and economics of these technologies. With capabilities in bench-scale evaluation of lubricants, bearings, and gear materials tailored to marine turbomachinery operating conditions, the lab offers valuable insights for developers.
Customized tribological testing protocols are developed after thorough tribosystem analysis, taking into account surface properties, lubricant chemistry, temperature, pressure, and motion. Tests adhere to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards whenever applicable, providing comparisons to commercial baselines and revealing insights into lubricant-surface compatibility.
Developers collaborating with the lab receive regular progress updates and a final report interpreting the results, aiding in the refinement and optimization of their marine energy technologies.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and overseen by the Pacific Ocean Energy Trust, the TEAMER program is designed to expedite the commercialization of marine renewables.
Interested parties can apply for TEAMER’s 16th round of requests for technical support (RFTS) until June 6, 2025, to leverage the expertise and facilities offered by the program.
Furthermore, in June 2024, the TEAMER program welcomed the Bourne Tidal Test Site (BTTS) as its newest open-water testing facility, further expanding its resources for marine energy developers.