APRIL 2023

New Research on Triton’s Website

Same URL, new content! Triton is excited to share our recent research, project details, and resources that have been added to the website.

The Triton Initiative is focused on removing barriers in the realm of marine energy device testing. Through methods development and innovative technologies, our research informs environmental concerns, helping to create a pathway for ocean derived renewables in support of the nation’s goals for a reduced carbon emission energy future.

Triton’s current research addresses questions about stressor/receptor interactions as well as technology and methodology development to help build knowledge around animal behavior in the presence of dynamic marine energy technologies. The Triton team is also testing and developing mitigation tools and strategies for reducing the risk of potential environmental impacts associated with marine energy, such as collision risk. Learn more about Triton’s current research:

• Acoustic Particle Motion and Flow Noise Mitigation 
• Anthropogenic Light in the Marine Environment 
• Marine Wildlife Detection and Tracking  
• The Probability of Encounter Model (PoEM)
• Integrated Collision Detection and Mitigation

Spotlight: The Probability of Encounter Model (PoEM)

In collaboration with partners at Aquacoustics, LLC, Triton’s collision risk and predictive modeling experts joined forces to develop a Probability of Encounter Model (PoEM). This model estimates the likelihood of fish encountering current energy converters—like riverine or tidal turbines—during major periods of movement or migration. During the project’s first phase, the Triton team demonstrated an initial prototype for this model based on active acoustic sonar data of salmon smolts approaching a riverine turbine in Alaska. This data driven development process is foundational to refining models informed by in situ observations that can then be applied to monitoring and mitigation efforts in the future. Improved understanding of these environmental concerns helps reduce barriers to installing and testing turbines and supports strategies to minimize fish collision risk for the marine energy industry. Learn more.

News

Triton Explains Wave Energy 

Triton recently launched the first of its “Triton Explains,” series, a set of stories focused on valuable topics related to marine energy research. This story is all about wave energy–what it is, how it works, why we study it, and how Triton is helping get wave energy devices into U.S. waters. Read the story. 

Happy Earth Day!

April 22nd was Earth Day! Marine energy is one of many clean energy solutions that will help support a healthier, more sustainable Earth in the future. Triton celebrates the Earth every day by helping reduce permitting barriers to marine energy deployments through research and development of environmental monitoring technologies. 

In Other Energy News

BioSonics and CalWave Featured in HydroLeader Magazine

A diver supporting field testing of the marine life acoustic detector, BioSonics Marine Life Observer (Left: Photo by the PNNL-Sequim Dive Team | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) and the xWave wave energy converter by CalWave deployed in La Jolla, California. (Right: Photo courtesy of CalWave Power Technologies Inc.) 

Last month’s issue of HydroLeader featured Triton industry partners CalWave Power Technologies Inc. and Biosonics, Inc. This publication highlights water-based renewable energy solutions and the people working to make it possible. The stories spotlight the efforts of two Triton partners to create innovative technologies that are helping advance the marine energy industry. With the support of the Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office, these efforts continue to make an impact and advance the ability to provide sustainable marine energy. Read the interviews.

Watch the Marine Energy Careers Panel

On April 10, the Triton team partnered with Ocean Energy Systems (OES)-Environmental and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to host a webinar on careers in marine energy. Speakers from different backgrounds and careers in marine energy discussed their backgrounds, education, current projects, and advice for those looking to pursue a career in marine energy. Watch the recorded webinar. 

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Triton is designed to support the development and testing of more precise and cost-effective environmental monitoring technologies for marine energy. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory leads Triton on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office.

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