Ocean Lab/Bench Facilities at Southwest Research Institute SwRI
Facility Overview
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has a variety of facilities available for lab and bench testing for marine energy.
Ocean Simulation Labs
The SwRI Ocean Engineering and Structural Testing Laboratory has more than 10,500 square feet of climate-controlled laboratory space, with additional outdoor test facilities. Deep ocean pressure simulation test chambers range from 50 inches inside diameter, 22 feet deep to 13 inches inside diameter, 30,000 psig.
Point of Contact:
Chris Storey – chris.storey@swri.org
The Large Engine Research and Development Laboratory (LERD)
The LERD at SwRI has a 40-plus year history working with leading global manufacturers of large, high-speed and medium-speed engines to improve fuel economy, performance and emissions. SwRI operates six large engine dynamometer test cells dedicated to large, high-horsepower engines up to 7,000 horsepower with additional cells for engines in the 1,000 to 2,000 horsepower range. Large portable and stationary generator sets are also accommodated. SwRI facilities support a wide range of research, mechanical development, and new technology integration programs.
Point of Contact:
Ryan Johnson – ryan.johnson@swri.org
Marine Structures & Engineering Labs
The Marine Structures & Engineering Section performs systems design, analysis, fabrication, and test programs emphasizing the technologies in the marine and offshore industries. Marine systems design/development capabilities include autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV); remote operated vehicles (ROV), pressure vessels for human occupancy (PVHO) and Deep Ocean pressure vessel, and umbilical design and fabrication. Fabrication experience includes PVHOs, deck decompression chambers, submarine models, and deep ocean pressure vessels. Fabrication codes met include PVHO, ABS, DNV, USCG, ASME (Section VIII, Divisions 1 & 2) and U.S. Navy. Testing services include pressure testing, large-scale/full-scale structural testing, functional/operational testing, and burst/collapse/failure testing.
Point of Contact:
Joseph Crouch – joseph.crouch@swri.org
Fuels & Driveline Lubricants
With almost 70 years of experience as an independent research, development, and evaluation laboratory for fuels and lubricants, we are well qualified to tackle challenges affecting marine vessels and locomotives, trucks and automobiles, and even hand-held power tools. We provide standardized and custom testing for gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels, as well as lubricants, coolants, and other fluids, using over-the-road fleet testing, mileage accumulation dynamometers, and a wide array of engine test stands.
Point of Contact:
Matt Jackson – matt.jackson@swri.org
Energy Storage Technology Center
Our Energy Storage Technology Center program brings together a broad range of technology experts from diverse scientific fields to support industry and government clients in the research, development, and evaluation of energy storage systems. We evaluate and develop battery systems for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, battery systems for grid storage, energy storage systems, flywheels, stationary systems such as flow batteries tied to the electric power grid, thermal storage systems, and ultra capacitors.
Point of Contact:
John D. Klaerner – john.klaerner@swri.org
Machinery Department
Technology development and engineering to improve the reliability and performance of machinery and processes in advanced power applications including hydro turbines and systems. Full capabilities for API 617/618 and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code analyses. We have design and analysis capabilities including fluid dynamics, structures, computational fluid dynamics analysis, finite element analysis, machinery design, piping system design, rotordynamics, and prototype fabrication. Development and validation test loops for advanced systems and components including high pressure expanders, seals, bearings, pump flow loops, subsea compression, erosion, multiphase flow measurement, and separation. We operate full-scale machinery test loops and component rigs operating with many gases and liquids up to 3 MWe and 275 bar.
Point of Contact:
Tim Allison – tim.allison@swri.org
Flow Components Testing Facilities
The Flow Component Testing Facilities (FCTF) consist of a number of dedicated facilities housed in a single location that are used to perform both standard and custom testing.
Point of Contact:
Chris Jowers – christopher.jowers@swri.org
Wind Tunnel
SwRI capabilities include a wind testing facility consisting of a centrifugal blower with a specified bulk exit velocity of 2667 ft/min (813 m/min) at the design condition and a hydraulic diameter of 76.2 inches (1.94 meters). The centrifugal blower is controlled by VFD which allows simulation of the turbine at different wind speeds to develop the performance curve. The measurement capability includes turbine rotational speed, turbine shaft power, and three total and static pressure measurements at the inlet of the turbine.
Point of Contact:
John D. Klaerner – john.klaerner@swri.org
