Limerick energy firm explores 3D printed turbine
A renewable technology company is teaming up with manufacturing researchers to develop a new body for its water-powered generator. The Enterprise Ireland-backed project aims to cut production costs and test recycled plastics while advancing commercial river deployments.
Newcastle West company GKinetic Energy is working with Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) to develop a 3D-printed body for its 3kW river turbine, backed by an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher.
The floating device uses a specially shaped body to accelerate free-flowing water towards twin vertical-axis rotors. GKinetic is focused on commercial river deployments in Ireland, with its existing prototypes made from sheet aluminium.
The partners will explore large-format additive manufacturing, a form of 3D printing, to create more complex shapes that could improve generating efficiency while cutting production costs and assembly time. They will also investigate using recycled plastic.
“Working with IMR through the EI Innovation Voucher allows us access to a broad knowledge base and equipment that would otherwise be out of our reach,” said GKinetic chief technology officer Gary Brennan.
The project will include design optimisation, simulations, material testing and a cost comparison with conventional fabrication, culminating in a full-scale printed prototype. Enterprise Ireland manager Anne Fitzpatrick said the collaboration showed the export potential of Irish clean-energy innovation.
Founded in 2014, GKinetic has secured more than €5.3 million in development funding and reports successful deployments in Ireland, the UK and France.