This TEAMER project allowed NREL to use and augment a custom special-purpose testing system to perform accelerated-life testing of rotating seals for use in the MRE industry. The requirements of this industry are different from most applications including marine, and relevant performance information is lacking. In order to achieve low costs with extremely effective and reliable operation over long periods deployed underwater, more study of the best seals and arrangements of seals must be performed. By developing a rigorous framework for such testing, NREL can greatly improve the understanding of the relevant factors, and provide significant data to the industry. Further, this work can inform standards for this critical component of MRE systems, leading to maturation and improved acceptance of the industry in commerce.

This project was supported during RFTS 2.