Innovate UK: Môr-neidr

Project Overview

The Môr-neidr project is focused on accelerating the development of novel wave energy devices by providing a shared, modular PTO system that can simulate real sea-state conditions. CGEN Engineering is responsible for designing and delivering the modular linear generator, control system, and 1/25-scale damping unit. The work spans electromagnetic design, generator modelling and optimisation, prototype manufacture, dry testing, and validation enabling realistic lab- and tank-scale testing of new wave energy concepts and reducing cost and technical risk for early-stage developers. The programme builds on CGEN's prior experience in linear generators and wave PTO systems, and follows on from the company's recent tidal generator deployment at the Marine Energy Test Area (META) with Môr-neidr also preparing the technology for future open-water testing at META.

Objectives

• Design and fabricate a 1/12-scale linear generator and real-time force control system
• Develop a 1/25-scale damping emulator for integration in tank tests
• Support the build, commissioning, and deployment of the test rig with ORE Catapult
• Enable early testing and validation of novel wave energy converters using a flexible PTO platform
• Reduce duplication of effort and hardware costs across the UK wave energy sector

Why It Matters

Wave energy developers often face high costs and long timelines before their concepts can be tested under realistic conditions. The Môr-neidr project provides a practical, shared solution: a flexible, modular PTO test platform built from proven components. CGEN's modular approach is designed to make electrical machines easier to manufacture, assemble, transport, maintain, and repair characteristics that matter directly for wave energy, where reliability, access, and offshore maintenance costs remain key commercial challenges. For CGEN, this project extends the company's modular generator technology into linear PTO applications and reinforces its role in enabling the next generation of marine energy systems.