The new DSSMARPLUS digital platform is already operational in the BiMEP and Mutriku test areas, offering environmental predictions, download of certified reports and advanced technical support for marine testing planning and implementation.
The DSSMARPLUS web platform is an innovative tool for supporting marine technologies testing that is already in operation with real-time data in both the BiMEP offshore area (Armintza) and the Mutriku power plant. This development has been carried out by the Institute of Environmental Hydraulics of the University of Cantabria (IHCantabria) in collaboration with Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP).
The platform has been created within the framework of the MAR+ project and represents a key advance for the promotion of marine renewable energies by integrating spectral forecasting models, real-time operational systems and access to certified technical information.
A technological milestone for testing marine technologies
DSSMARPLUS has been conceived as a technical and strategic support tool, facilitating the planning, operation and validation of marine energy converters in real environments. Its main features include:
- Wave Spectral Prediction for Mutriku power plant dike, based on the MSP2.0 propagation model.
- Complete environmental prediction in BiMEP: waves, wind, currents and sea level.
- Access to certified resource and site conformity reports, under methodologies such as WRA and SCA, endorsed by Lloyd’s Register.
- Automatic sending of daily data for registered users.
Platform adapted to test needs of BiMEP and Mutriku
In the case of Mutriku, the integration of the spectral prediction in each OWC chamber makes this installation – in continuous operation since 2011 – a true laboratory in real conditions, facilitating the evaluation of turbines and control strategies.
BiMEP has now, to its advantage, a comprehensive operational forecasting system for tests of grid-connected floating wind and wave energy convertersin the open sea.
This differential approach makes DSSMARPLUS not only serve as an environmental viewer, but also as a direct support tool for experimentation, design and operational decision-making.
Multidisciplinary development and international vocation
The development of the platform has involved the participation of different technical teams of IHCantabria, in a multidisciplinary effort that has combined capacities in:
- Wave, wind, currents and level modeling.
- Spectral prediction in coastal domain.
- Web development and data architecture.
- Integration with physical tests and validated databases.
The system is integrated within the framework of the MAR+ project, funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation, the State Research Agency (CPP2021-009079), and the European Union – NextGeneration EU/PRTR.
Its modular architecture and replicable design make DSSMARPLUS amethodological reference exportable to other test areas internationally.
The origin of this project goes back to the strategic partnership that BiMEP and IHCantabria have maintained since 2014, which has given rise to such outstanding initiatives as TRL+, EuropeWave or TurboWave, and has made it possible to establish joint scientific-technical services in the field marine energies in deep waters. This shared vision, based on excellence and service vocation, has been key to achieving one of the fundamental objectives of the MAR+ project: to provide Spain with a system of certified tests, capable of reducing technological risks and accelerating the industrial deployment of marine energy converters.
The platform is already publicly accessible. The portal includes an interactive demo, explaining the key features of DSSMARPLUS in BiMEP and Mutriku.
