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Instrument

CRABEE

Cabled Research Array for the Blue Economy and Energy (CRABEE): Enabling Access to a High-Energy Environment for Streamlining Marine Energy and Blue Economy Technology Research and Development

Sequim, WA
United States

stock photo of an underwater cable

Stock photo of an underwater fiber optic cable on the ocean floor.

(Image by Imaginima | iStock)

In 2024, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Sequim campus (PNNL-Sequim) will be deploying the Cabled Research Array for the Blue Economy and Energy (CRABEE) into the water, which will provide power and data connectivity to Sequim Bay from the Department of Energy’s (DOE's) only marine research facility.

PNNL-Sequim's Cabled Research Array for the Blue Economy and Energy (CRABEE)
The Phase One of the CRABEE cable and node, with examples of connected ocean observing, autonomy, and energy harvesting technologies. (Graphic by Mike Perkins | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
View of Sequim Bay at PNNL-Sequim
View of Sequim Bay at PNNL-Sequim. (Photo by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

PNNL-Sequim is uniquely positioned adjacent to a swift tidal channel leading to a quiescent bay protected from harsh open-ocean conditions. Just meters from the laboratory, water accelerates to speeds useful for power generation from novel marine energy technologies like tidal turbines. Harvested energy can power underwater vehicles, sensors, and ocean-based carbon dioxide removal or be stored in batteries. With access to this environment, researchers and developers can test and demonstrate their technologies, benefiting from the expertise and capabilities of PNNL-Sequim.

The CRABEE system, funded by DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office, provides power and data connectivity directly to deployed technology from an underwater node positioned in the channel and can be thought of as an underwater power strip and router for connecting different technologies, devices, or extension cables to other parts of the bay.

It streamlines deployments and allows for rapid iteration by using a single connection back to the facility where researchers can monitor performance and analyze collected data, saving time and money. Up to 40 kilowatts (kW) of power and fiber optic data capability enable testing of simultaneous ocean observing, autonomous vehicle charging, energy harvesting, or other novel technologies at the frontier of innovation.

Fast facts

  • Up to 40 kW of power.
  • Peak flow speeds over 2 m/s in-channel.
  • Connection to coastal microgrid with storage.
  • Four extensions for testing and future expansion.

Phases of implementation

The CRABEE system is designed for expansion to further its utility for cutting-edge ocean science and technology research and deployment.

  • PHASE ONE: The core CRABEE system consisting of a node and four short extensions in the tidal channel at the entrance to Sequim Bay is connected to PNNL-Sequim and commissioned.
  • PHASE TWO: A longer extension is planned to bring power and data connectivity to a deeper and more protected area of Sequim Bay, away from fast tidal currents.
  • PHASE THREE: An underwater dock and charging station for autonomous underwater vehicles is planned for deployment and connection to the deeper water extension.
  • FUTURE VISION: Extension into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and beyond will enable persistent sensing and marine energy research, providing environmental data and collaboration opportunities across the region.
CRABEE map with phases at PNNL-Sequim
Three phases of CRABEE outlined. Trunk cables extend from the facility to the subsea node. Red lines are short interconnection extensions, and black lines are (user-supplied) extension cables or implemented in future phases. (Graphic by Mike Perkins | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

Contact

Rob Cavagnaro
Mechanical Engineer
robert.cavagnaro@pnnl.gov
(206) 528-3372

Research topics

Marine Energy
Testing for Marine Energy
Environmental Monitoring for Marine Energy
Marine Biofouling and Corrosion
Marine Energy Resource Characterization

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