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Science in the City 2022 Science in the City 2022
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  • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
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    • Pre-Festival Events
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    • Explore the Arches
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Science in the City 2022

Explore the Arches - Meet the Researcher

Andrew Borg and Luke Aquilina: Department of Mechanical Engineering

Festival Area: Meet the Researcher

Department Description

Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty of Engineering University of Malta: The Department of Mechanical Engineering encompasses and instils the fundamental classical Mechanical Engineering science, knowledge and understanding, applicable to a wide range of industrial sectors. Our Department participates in various research projects carried out through industrial collaborations, national and EU research frameworks.

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FLASC and MUSICA

The renewable energy potential at sea is enormous. In fact, the renewable energy potential available in Maltese territorial waters in the form of wind and sun exceeds the countries overall demand for energy by far. However, such resources are intermittent and there is often a mismatch between the supply of offshore wind and solar power and demand by the end consumers. Energy storage is now regarded as essential to decarbonise our economy through a high penetration of renewables. By storing energy when produced and using it when needed, a solution for the said mismatch between energy supply and demand is found. FLASC (Floating Liquid-piston Accumulator using Seawater under Compression) is a technology currently being developed at the University of Malta which can be co-located with renewable energy farms at sea to provide a scheduled supply of clean power. Energy storage is carried out by pumping water into a closed chamber, thus pressurising the air within the chamber. Once energy is required, the water inside the closed chamber is released through a hydraulic turbine to generate electricity.

 

The first FLASC prototype was deployed in the idyllic Grand Harbour of the Maltese Islands, back in 2017, where system performance and efficiency were analysed in detail throughout an extensive experimental campaign. Since then, two follow-up projects titled MUSICA (Multiple Use of Space for Island Clean Autonomy) and FLASC-Optima have been underway. MUSICA, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme, involves the design and construction of a larger prototype which will be integrated in a multiple purpose offshore platform to be deployed in the close vicinity of Innousses island in Greece. FLASC Optima is funded through the University’s Research Excellence Fund and involves the development of advanced software, used for the design and performance modelling of FLASC systems.

FLASC - Offshore Energy Storage

Multi Use Platform on Oinousses by MUSICA Project

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Science in the City is part of the European Researchers’ Night, an EU-wide celebration. It has been funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (under grant agreement No 101061120), and a number of corporate sponsors. It is recognised as a Festival by Europe for Festivals and Festivals for Europe (EFFE).

The Science in the City consortium is led by the University of Malta and the Malta Chamber of Scientists, in partnership with the Minister for Equality, Research, and Innovation, Trust Stamp Ltd, Malta Enterprise, MCAST, Qualia Analytics, Esplora, BPC International, SEM, PBS, Spazju Kreattiv, Tech.mt, Aquabiotech, Valletta Design Cluster, Valletta Cultural Agency, The Environment Resource Agency, WasteServ, More or Less Theatre and Keen Ltd.

This communication reflects the author’s view and the European Commission is not responsible for any information it contains.
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