Motion Platform
NREL's Flatirons Campus features a motion platform that simulates ocean conditions for water power, offshore wind energy, and solar power device validation.
The lab’s large-amplitude motion platform, or LAMP, can mimic ocean motions, including
waves up to 8 ft high, and supports devices weighing about as much as a small recreational
vehicle. Photos by Bryan Bechtold, NREL
Explore the motion platform's capabilities below or via the NREL motion platform fact sheet.
Capabilities
Researchers and technology developers can use NREL's large-amplitude motion platform to validate their small or up to full-scale offshore technologies in a dry environment. The platform, which can emulate many of the typical wave states available across the United States, can also:
- Support devices that weigh up to 10,000 kg
- Perform the six degree-of-freedom motions that occur in the ocean, including surges of up to 2.5 m, sways up to 2.3 m, and heaves up to 1.8 m
- Be used outdoors to validate offshore wind turbines, floating lidar, floating solar panels, and more
- Use real wave data to mimic actual sea conditions and modify motions in real time.
With NREL’s large-amplitude motion platform, researchers and technology developers can identify potential flaws before subjecting their prototypes to open ocean trials, which can be time-consuming and costly. The platform enables researchers to fine-tune their designs quickly and cost-effectively.
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