TEAMER: Reliability Analysis and New Technology Qualification of an Infinitely Variable Transmission for Tidal Energy Converters

This project leverages the complementary expertise of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to establish a comprehensive qualification and reliability assessment framework for an infinitely variable transmission (IVT). INL will implement an advanced reliability analysis framework to build quantifiable performance and reliability metrics. ABS will execute New Technology Qualification (NTQ) while ensuring compliance with industry/ABS standards. This independent verification/validation will provide confidence to commercial clients as designs and plans will be reviewed by an independent third party.

The project delivers quantifiable validation of the IVT system's reliability characteristics and technology readiness through a multi-dimensional analytical framework. Specifically, the outcomes encompass: (1) engineering evaluation documentation validating system requirements compliance and functional performance metrics; (2) risk assessment matrices incorporating component-level failure mode characterization, occurrence probabilities, and consequence metrics derived from accelerated life testing and operational cost analyses; (3) detailed fault tree architectures mapping system-wide system-wide risk propagation pathways with quantified reliability indices for critical drivetrain components; and (4) design risk assessment review by a third party; and (5) a Statement of Maturity letter from ABS documenting the IVT's successful completion of Concept Verification stage. The Statements of Maturity issued will demonstrate feasibility and maturity levels as evaluated by ABS based on its unique role in industry. Additionally, stakeholders can be confident that foreseeable hazards associated with the introduction of the proposed new technology have been systematically reviewed.

This project is part of the TEAMER RFTS 15 (request for technical support) program.