Norwegian government agency Statsbygg has awarded Framo the development contract to supply pump systems for the Norwegian Ocean Technology Center, currently under construction in Trondheim. The delivery includes 96 pumps that will pump huge amounts of water to create ocean currents in the research facility’s basin.
The Center will be used by the Norwegian University of Science & Technology(NTNU) and the SINTEF energy research institute to carry out the research, education and innovation that ocean industries require in order to succeed. The goal is to develop and test new technology related to the ocean, increase the safety and efficiency of existing technology, and strengthen Norway's position as a leading ocean technology nation.
The basin at the research facility is 60 metres long, 50 metres wide, and 12 metres deep, making it possible to test innovations and large, complex structures under realistic conditions. This will allow the development, testing, securing and improving of installations such as offshore structures, ships, fish farms, and ocean wind turbines before they are put into use.
The pump system is designed and developed at Framo's factory on Flatøy island outside Bergen. This is part of a series of pumps with high capacity and low lift heights, which have been initially developed to serve aquaculture facilities. The energy-optimized pumps will be installed in return channels within the pool wall, and will have individual speed control to provide great flexibility in varying the flow rate at different depths. The order also includes water straighteners in front and behind the pump, frequency converters, installation equipment, and a control system that will be integrated together with the plant's main control system.