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Polyurethane Flat Belts Show Promise in Marine Energy Applications

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have conducted a study to evaluate the potential of polyurethane flat belts as a replacement for traditional wire ropes in marine energy applications. The study, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, found that polyurethane belts can achieve more than 198 percent of the fatigue life of a conventional wire rope under similar load profiles. The researchers tested the polyurethane belts in a series of tests utilizing the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Large-Amplitude Motion Platform to replicate the dynamic conditions experienced by mooring lines of winch-based point-absorber-type marine energy converters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that polyurethane flat belts can achieve more than 198 percent of the fatigue life of a conventional wire rope under similar load profiles.
  • The researchers tested the polyurethane belts in a series of tests utilizing the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Large-Amplitude Motion Platform to replicate the dynamic conditions experienced by mooring lines of winch-based point-absorber-type marine energy converters.
  • The study identified stress concentrations resulting from off-axis loading and cumulative twist beyond the system's allowable limits as potential failure modes for flat belt mooring lines used in winch-driven wave energy converters deployed in ocean environments.
  • The researchers recommended the use of anti-spin systems and fairleads designed to accommodate off-axis loading while limiting twist accumulation to mitigate these risks.
  • The study involved a series of tests conducted by Justin Panzarella and Scott Jenne from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, with Andrew Simms serving as a co-author.

Statistics:

  • 198 percent: the increase in fatigue life of polyurethane flat belts compared to conventional wire ropes under similar load profiles.
  • 13(9):1652: the issue number and page number of the study published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering.
  • 2025: The year in which the study was conducted.
  • p 3554: The page number of the news report published in the Journal of Engineering.

Sources:

  • Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2025,13(9):1652 (http://www.mdpi.com/journal/jmse)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/jmse13091652
  • NewsRx. Research on Marine Science and Engineering Reported by Researchers at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Laboratory Testing to Assess the Feasibility of Polyurethane Flat Belts for Marine Energy Applications). Journal of Engineering. October 13, 2025; p 3554.

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