RRHRC Open testbed

Important results from the project

Kongsberg Hydrodynamic Research Centre has been developed into an Open Test Bed where development in collaboration with external actors can be made in parallel with Kongsberg´s own activities. This has been created at the same time as resp. project partner have utilized the Test Bed’s capabilities for its own product development. The pilot projects have combined competence, simulations and experimental testing, which clarifies that the Test Bed´s offer consists of a combination of these rather than the components separately. The Test Bed´s offer has been developed and made visible.

Expected long term effects

Cavitation in a pump has been studied for increased performance. Underwater noise from an electric boat has been measured in the sea and a cavitation tunnel, and a comparison between an electric and fossil-powered boat has been demonstrated at the same time as the propeller´s impact has been measured. These activities have reduced the products´ environmental impact through reduced power consumption and reduced underwater noise. A measurement method for underwater noise from recreational boats has been developed that can help map the problem around underwater noise in archipelagos.

Approach and implementation

The project was led by Kongsberg (formerly Rolls-Royce) and carried out in collaboration with six other Swedish companies / research institutes. Through the implementation of six pilot projects together with the project participants, the Test Bed has been developed into an Open Test Bed where development in collaboration with external actors can be carried out in parallel with Kongsberg´s internal activities. The Test Bed have moved from a closed, company-internal environment to a more open one which external actors have access to and can utilize the Test Bed’s capabilities.