634d4435

Advanced Engineering 2025

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:34:04 GMT

Join us at the Advanced Engineering 202 5 on 29 and 30 October at NEC Birmingham.

If you are interested in visiting and meeting do get in touch!

Advanced Engineering 2024

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 08:37:18 GMT

Join us at the Advanced Engineering 202 4 on 29 and 30 October at NEC Birmingham.

If you are interested in visiting and meeting do get in touch!

bematic® push nonwovens production technology forward with help from Siriotek and Fraunhofer ITWM

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 09:55:12 GMT

As part of ongoing collaborative efforts focusing on development and optimisation of production technologies for nonwovens, Fraunhofer ITWM and Siriotek have completed feasibility investigations on bematic® latest airlay design “AioLos”. Results are very encouraging and bematic have now committed fully to the new design by confirming manufacturing of a full scale unit, with procurement of parts currently in progress.

The study aimed at simulating fibre dynamics inside the airlay to provide insights and data useful for optimising productivity and efficiency of the production process. It consisted of two sequential stages:

- Analysis of the airflow across the web forming cavity

A detailed CFD model was developed by Siriotek engineers which includes moving boundaries to simulate rotation of the main carding drum as well as linear motion of the porous belts designed to promote web formation and transport of nonwoven fabric

- Simulation of the fibre deposition process

Results from the CFD analysis were passed to Fraunhofer ITWM for use with their proprietary software FIDYST (FIberDYnamics Simulation Tool). Using material data, density and size for polyester fibres scientists at Fraunhofer ITWM were able to predict motion of the fibres inside the airlay forming vane under the effect of turbulent airflow resulting from the CFD analyses performed at Siriotek, effectively simulating the deposition process on porous moving belts. A detailed technical description of the dynamic model predictive capabilities can be found at the following links: [ Article 1 ], [ Article 2 ].

The feasibility study also included further investigations covering process speeds as well as optimal design for the carding wire to be installed on main drum and worker/stripper rollers operating upstream of the airlay aerodynamic vane. Results have been very encouraging and bematic have now committed fully to the new design by confirming manufacturing of a full scale unit, with procurement of parts currently in progress.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Founder and Chief Engineer at Siriotek: “The collaboration with ITWM and bematic has showcased the benefits of a joint technical/scientific approach to optimise airlay production processes for nonwovens. We are delighted that bematic have now committed to the new airlay concept by confirming a manufacturing and testing programme and we look forward to seeing the unit in operation”

Dietmar Hietel, Head of the Transport Processes Department at Fraunhofer ITWM: “ITWM’s contribution to this programme was possible thanks to our unrelented efforts in developing advanced methodologies and tools for process simulation, to which we remain fully committed. We are proud and pleased to collaborate with Siriotek and bematic to develop the next generation of production technology for nonwovens”

Giovanni Bettarini, Partner and Commercial director at bematic®: “Thanks to the collaboration with Siriotek and ITWM the feasibility study for the new airlay concept has been successful and bematic is ready to venture into manufacturing and assembly of a full scale unit. We look forward to delivering significant improvements in productivity and efficiency in nonwovens processing to our clients”

About bematic®

Founded in 1974 in Prato, Italy, Bettarini & Serafini, trading as bematic® have been pioneers in the development of processing lines for nonwovens, with an established reputation for reliability and innovation. Today bematic carding machines operate daily across the globe at leading production companies within diverse industries. bematic® provide highly customised turnkey solutions with a product portfolio covering both traditional carding systems as well as aerodynamic forming lines.

About Siriotek

At Siriotek we blend passion and creativity with specialist engineering knowledge to help innovative Companies deliver on their most ambitious projects. We have a track record of providing practical and efficient solutions to complex problems in product and technology development across F1, Aerospace, Renewables, Marine, Robotics as well as other industries and we pride on customer satisfaction. .

About the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM in Kaiserslautern is one of the largest research institutes for applied mathematics worldwide. We see our task in further developing mathematics as a key technology and in providing innovative impulses. Our focus is on the implementation of mathematical methods and technology in application projects and their further development in research projects. The close interaction with partners from industry guarantees the high practical relevance of our work.

Its integral components are consulting, implementation and support in the application of high-performance computing technology and the provision of customized software solutions. Our various competencies address a wide range of customers: automotive industry, mechanical engineering, chemical industry, energy and finance. This also benefits from our good networking, for example in the Simulation and Software-based Innovation Performance Center.

About the Fraunhofer Society

The Fraunhofer-Society, based in Germany, is the world's leading organization for application-oriented research. With its focus on key technologies of relevance to the future and on the exploitation of the results in business and industry, it plays a central role in the innovation process. As a guide and stimulus for innovative developments and scientific excellence, it helps shape our society and our future. Founded in 1949, the organization currently operates 76 institutes and research facilities in Germany. More than 30,000 employees, most of them trained in the natural sciences or engineering, produce the annual research volume of 2.9 billion euros. Of this, 2.5 billion euros is spent on contract research

Press contacts

bematic® – Bettarini & Serafini Srl

Via Schio 59100

Prato PO Italy

commerciale@bematic.it

www.bematic.it

Siriotek GmbH

Technoparkstrasse 1

8005 Zurich Switzerland

enquiries@siriotek.com

www.siriotek.com

FRAUNHOFER ITWM

Link to Fraunhofer Press Release

Fraunhofer ITWM, Siriotek and bematic® join forces to advance nonwovens production technology

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 12:30:11 GMT

Nonwoven fabrics play today a central role in a number of industries, including automotive, healthcare, medical, construction, and filtration. As demand for these versatile materials continues to grow, Bettarini&Serafini S.r.l (trading as bematic®), Siriotek GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM are now joining forces to enhance and develop air-lay technology for production of nonwovens. The joint project will be presented for the first time at ITMA 2023, the trade fair for textiles technology, materials and innovation.

Based in Italy, bematic® have been developing and manufacturing nonwoven production lines for almost 50 years and today their carding machines are in daily use across the world. The company provides turnkey solutions customised to specific production requirements. bematic® bring to the project their expertise in development and construction of nonwoven production lines and will manufacture the new air-lay systems developed through the joint project.

Swiss-based Siriotek specialise in mechanical engineering and product development through practical application of virtual prototyping and testing. Throughout the project Siriotek engineers will use analysis, modelling and simulation to drive and optimise the design layout of the new air-lay system.

Fraunhofer ITWM , in turn, contributes to the project with both knowledge and experience in the textile technology and process optimisation, as well as know-how in mathematical modelling and characterization of air-lay processes for staple fibres.

Combining expertise

The three partners aim to jointly develop the next generation of air-lay machines to ensure performance and quality in processing with staple fibres whilst reducing energy consumption, waste generation and carbon emissions. The collaboration brings together the expertise and innovation capabilities of three specialist players in their respective fields.

Faster, denser, more efficient

In air-lay processes raw fibres (natural or synthetic) are opened up and apart by a card roller, introduced into a forced air stream and directed onto conveyor belts. The randomly arranged fibres are then compacted by suction and finally bonded together through mechanical, thermal or chemical processes to achieve web consistency. "Through a collaborative approach, we are pushing the boundaries of air-lay technology to achieve higher production speeds, improved nonwoven uniformity and fibre utilization, and ultimately deliver solutions that are fully tailored to individual production requirements," explains Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Founder and Chief Engineer at Siriotek.

Improved efficiency and sustainability

The project also aims to minimise energy consumption and environmental footprint without compromising performance. “We are driving progress, improving production quality, and contributing to a more sustainable as well as efficient ecosystem in the textile industry” says Dietmar Hietel, Head of the Transport Processes Department at Fraunhofer ITWM.

Giovanni Bettarini, Partner and Commercial director at bematic® adds: “Through this collaboration we will be able to offer more efficient and sustainable manufacturing solutions, tailored to specific applications across automotive, construction, filtration and geotextile”

From June 8 to 14, 2023, the project team will welcome industry representatives to their booth in Hall 10-A101 at ITMA in Milan to share details of the project.

About bematic®

About Siriotek

Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Siriotek provide engineering solutions for product and technology development, with a track record across Aerospace, Formula 1, Renewables, Marine and Robotics. Through a creative approach and significant experience in diverse industries Siriotek engineers specialise in the practical application of virtual modelling, simulation and testing to help innovative companies solve complex problems and efficiently develop new products and technologies.

About the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

About the Fraunhofer Society

Press contacts

bematic® – Bettarini & Serafini Srl

Via Schio 59100

Prato PO Italy

commerciale@bematic.it

www.bematic.it

Siriotek GmbH

Technoparkstrasse 1

8005 Zurich Switzerland

enquiries@siriotek.com

www.siriotek.com

FRAUNHOFER ITWM

https://www.itwm.fraunhofer.de/en/press-publications/press-releases/2023_05_31_itma_en.html

e.battery systems charge ahead with Siriotek Engineering

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:17:01 GMT

Austria-based e.battery systems and Siriotek have announced their cooperation to enhance the cooling performance of e.battery systems' battery packs. The collaboration is aimed at delivering more efficient, reliable and safer battery modules to the market.

With an extensive track record in innovative product development spanning from Formula 1 to Robotics, Renewables and Aerospace, Siriotek have been selected by e.battery systems to provide digital twin technology and virtual prototyping (including CFD and thermal simulations) to optimise the cooling systems of their battery packs. As part of the collaboration Siriotek will also provide expert insights into battery cooling and tempering and will make use of its extensive knowledge and experience in thermal management to assist e.battery systems design high-performance, reliable and safer battery systems for its customers.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Founder and Chief Engineer – Siriotek) : "We are excited to be working with e.battery systems. The Company's commitment to innovative technology is truly impressive, and we are proud to be part of the team shaping the next generation of battery technology."

Benedikt Müller (Technical Project Manager – e.battery systems) : "We selected Siriotek for this collaboration as we believe they have the right experience and approach for our demanding requirements. Siriotek‘ expertise in thermal management and battery cooling will be instrumental in helping deliver high-performance battery systems for our customers."

The cooperation between e.battery systems and Siriotek is a testament to the companies' commitment to the development of advanced battery modules and will bring together the expertise of two leading companies in the fields of engineering and battery technology. As more and more applications rely on rechargeable power e.battery systems and Siriotek will work together to develop more efficient, reliable and safer battery systems, contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector and reducing the world's reliance on fossil fuels.

e.battery systems

e.battery systems produce high-tech batteries with innovation, smart design, and technological advances. We have bundled together the best of two decades’ experience into an innovative new concept to speed up sustainable transitions in battery technology. We have gone from being a classic battery firm to a one-stop shop for our customers, serving all stages from conception to design, and prototyping to series production.

https://e-batterysystems.com/en/

SIRIOTEK

At Siriotek we blend passion and creativity with specialist engineering knowledge to help innovative C ompanies deliver on their most ambitious projects. We have a track record of providing practical and efficient solutions to complex problems in product and technology development across diverse industries and take pride on customer satisfaction.

Advanced Engineering UK 2022

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 06:09:24 GMT

Join us at the Advanced Engineering UK 202 2 on 2 and 3 November at NEC Birmingham.

If you are interested in visiting and meeting do get in touch!

ANAVIA’s brand-new HT-100 UAV takes to the sky with Siriotek Engineering

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 21:04:05 GMT

ANAVIA AG, based in Switzerland, is the latest player to join the commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) market, which is forecasted to grow globally above USD 15bn by 2026 fuelled by widespread adoption across Logistics, Surveillance, Agriculture and Emergency Management.

Part of the Connova Group, a global leader in the development of fibre reinforced composites for the Aerospace industry, ANAVIA was established in 2019 with a mission to design, manufacture and commercialise the most advanced UAVs on the market.

From initial concept to final production, the HT-100 has been developed to deliver exceptional performance while combining unprecedented levels of operational flexibility and reliability for mission critical applications together with low maintenance costs. The ambitious scale of the engineering challenge required a creative yet rigorous approach, with innovative design solutions validated and optimised using advanced analysis methodologies and eventually implemented through state-of-the-art technology and manufacturing.

Siriotek was selected by Connova at the start of the project as the key engineering partner for the HT-100 programme, with the ultimate objective of delivering on industry leading technical specifications while meeting the required certification standards within tight timescales.

Working in close collaboration with the ANAVIA design and test teams based in Villmergen Siriotek engineers left no stones unturned in the quest for efficient and reliable performance, with analysis and simulation data driving every stage of the design process across a number of areas.

The HT-100 is a twin rotor helicopter with intermeshing blades powered by a 15kW turbine engine. The design process has been driven by detailed and systematic engineering investigations based on Siriotek extensive wealth of experience across Formula 1 and Aerospace:

- The rotor blade profile has been developed to deliver the target lift at different Angle of Attacks with maximum efficiency

- Efficient structural sizing of rotating parts has been achieved with rotor dynamics investigations based on coupled FEA-CFD

- CFD of the airframe has allowed scrutiny and control of blade downwash effects

- The rotor blade carbon fibre laminate has been optimised to achieve target strength with minimum weight, achieving excellent correlation with rig test results

- Calibration of the blade damper element has been supported by nonlinear FEA

- Airframe and landing gear have been developed to promote the least damaging failure mode in case of crash landing

Every detail has been specifically designed with performance and operational efficiency in mind, resulting in class leading features which make the HT-100 a sensible and more economical alternative to conventional helicopters:

o 4h airborne time with up to 65kg payload capacity and 400km (216nm) range

o Fully autonomous navigation mode with max speed of 65kn and service ceiling at 10'000ft.

o Back-up emergency motor with smart redundancy systems

o Intuitive controls with easy mission programming

o Rapid launch readiness and operational capability in adverse weather conditions

o High compatibility with mainstream payload systems for a wide range of applications

o Low maintenance cost

o Certification by the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation

Jon Andri Joerg (CEO and Founder – Connova Group and ANAVIA AG) : “The HT-100 is ANAVIA’s first

commercial product and its mission is to establish our reputation as a world-class UAV manufacturer.

Meeting the ambitious targets was key to the success of the project and partnering with Siriotek fully

delivered on our expectations both on the technical and collaborative side”

Giovanni Di Lorenzo (CEO – Siriotek) : “At Siriotek we love technical challenges and the HT-100 is

among the most exciting projects we have contributed to. ANAVIA totally shares our commitment to

innovation and continuous improvement and we are proud to contribute to their first commercial

product”

ANAVIA AG

With the HT-100 ANAVIA has developed what is arguably the most advanced commercial UAV system in the world, setting new benchmarks in safety, performance and ease of operation. ANAVIA AG is based in Villmergen (Switzerland) and operates as a business unit of the CONNOVA Group, a leading global developer and manufacturer of high-tech carbon composite products for the aerospace industry and motor racing sector. https://anavia.eu/en/

SIRIOTEK

At Siriotek we blend passion and creativity with specialist engineering knowledge to help innovative C ompanies deliver on their most ambitious projects. We have a track record of providing practical and efficient solutions to complex problems in product and technology development across diverse industries and take pride on customer satisfaction.

Media Enquiries

Sladjana.Kostic@anavia.com Barbara.Burzi@siriotek.com

Siriotek helps develop Orbitless’ revolutionary transmission drive

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 16:48:08 GMT

Orbitless Drives Inc. is pleased to announce that Siriotek Ltd has joined its Design Partner program to provide world class design support for both internal and 3rd party customer projects.

The agreement provides Orbitless with access to an exceptional engineering team to assist in the design and development of Orbitless based powertrains and actuators. It also gives Siriotek customers the ability to explore the Orbitless Drive technology platform and utilize their trusted partner to design unique solutions with this exciting new technology.

With the move to EVs and Autonomous vehicles, the need for quieter and more efficient electric geared motors for powertrains and actuators in all types of vehicles is on the rise. The Orbitless Drive is a newly patented, super high efficient, low noise (#NVH) drive platform that is ideally suited to the electrification trend. It can be used in powertrains or actuators for motion control, robotics, electric vehicles, wind power and more. Development programs are available for companies willing to implement a customised design into their system with an affordable license model for commercial applications.

As part of the agreement, Siriotek has already carried out detailed concept level analyses and provided valuable insights for optimising the Orbitless drive in specific applications. With several decades of combined experience in advanced engineering the Siriotek team has a track record of delivering practical and efficient solutions to clients across Formula 1, Aerospace, Renewables, Power Generation and Robotics in areas ranging from aero/fluid dynamics to optimisation of mechanical systems.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Siriotek CEO , comments:

“The Orbitless Drive technology is truly a novel and unique technology, and we look forward to working with Orbitless Inc. and their customers to show how they can benefit from its peculiar properties. We are naturally excited by this partnership, which will bring value to the world’s gearbox and drivetrain communities.”

Robert Eisses, Orbitless Drives Inc. CEO , comments:

“We were really impressed by Siriotek analysis capabilities and valuable findings during our concept level investigations and it was natural to select them as Partners. We are excited about working with Giovanni and his team, as we build out the ecosystem of designers and supporters of the Orbitless Drive solution. Decades of experience in pushing the boundaries in F1 really fit well with maximizing the benefits that come with an Orbitless Drive solution.”

About Siriotek

At Siriotek we blend passion and creativity with specialist engineering knowledge to help innovative Companies deliver on their most ambitious projects. We have a track record of providing practical and efficient solutions to complex problems in product and technology development across diverse industries and we pride on customer satisfaction.

About Orbitless

Orbitless Drives Inc. has developed the newly patented Orbitless Drive platform. It is ideal for geared applications that require lower noise, higher efficiency, or high ratios in a compact package. An Orbitless Drive can be used in powertrains or actuators for motion control, robotics, electric vehicles, wind power and more. The Company offers Development and Licensing programs for companies that are looking to implement an Orbitless design into their application. www.orbitless.com

Dynamic Devices smooth out noise with help from Siriotek

Wed, 20 May 2020 22:00:00 GMT

ddrobotec by Dynamic Devices design, manufacture, market and sell the world’s first AI-powered robotic personal trainer of its kind. When excessive gear transmission noise was detected during development of the System Pro personal trainer they turned to Siriotek for help.

ddrobotec by Dynamic Devices design, manufacture, market and sell the world’s first AI-powered robotic personal trainer of its kind. Based on truly innovative robotic technology these systems provide simultaneous training sessions for brain and muscles with a high level of personal engagement to boost motivation and are able to provide deeply insightful diagnostics to achieve improvements in neuromuscular and neurocognitive performance.

ddrobotec by Dynamic Devices are constantly committed to improve and fine tune their product lines, and when excessive gear transmission noise was detected during development of their System Pro robotic personal trainer, they turned to Siriotek for help troubleshooting the issue.

After one test session Siriotek isolated the source of the noise and subsequently conducted analysis of the system. A different transmission layout was eventually recommended with fewer and simpler parts. Following redesign, procurement and assembly, test sessions on the new system immediately proved the effectiveness of the solution with a substantial attenuation of gear noise.

Raja Dravid (CTO – Dynamic Devices) : “The solution proposed by Siriotek exceeded our intended objective of a significant noise reduction. We ended up with a simpler, more robust and cost effective assembly with benefits on multiple fronts. We are fully satisfied with Siriotek technical delivery”

Max Lungarella (CEO – Dynamic Devices) : “Working with Siriotek was smooth and effective. We valued the practical, solution-focused approach and reactiveness and are happy to recommend their services”

Giovanni Di Lorenzo (CEO – Siriotek) : “Dynamic Devices is a Company totally devoted to innovative technology. We are proud to contribute to the development of their robotic training systems”

ddrobotec by Dynamic Devices

ddrobotec develop and market robotic personal training technology serving customers across the sport industry such as Red Bull, OYM, Japan’s National Institute for Sport Sciences as well as leading rehabilitation clinics across the world. The company's headquarters are located at Technopark Zurich with production in Switzerland. https://ddrobotec.com/en/

Siriotek

At Siriotek we blend passion and creativity with specialist engineering knowledge to help innovative Companies deliver on their most ambitious projects. We have a track record of providing practical and efficient solutions to complex problems in product and technology development across diverse industries and take pride on customer satisfaction.

Siriotek drives technology forward in Marine Energy Conversion

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 15:56:26 GMT

Unlike Solar and Wind, Marine Energy Conversion (MEC) technology is yet to be established at full commercial level and engineers are racing to devise viable solutions to extract the immense energy within the oceans. When a Renewable Energy Company needed to prove its new tidal MEC concept worked at scale they turned to Siriotek to create bespoke solutions that went from modelling and simulation to successful deployment, reducing the cost of manufacture and upping power efficiency.

The looming energy challenge

With widespread adoption of electric transport and mobility systems global demand for grid power is set to soar in the next 30 years, at a time when most countries are expected to phase out both fossil and nuclear fuel power stations. A major energy unbalance looms on the horizon which must be addressed quickly with innovative, ingenious and sustainable technology.

The Options

What feasible options can Renewables offer to replace existing fossil and nuclear capacity while also matching future grid demands? T o put the scale of this challenge into context consider that one single nuclear plant provides on average a continuous 1GW of electric power to the grid, which is roughly equivalent to either:

950 land based wind turbines (3.5MW each, capacity factor of 30%) taking up a surface of around 10km2 excluding roads, buildings and infrastructures, which is approximately the size of Gibraltar

14 millions of solar panels (300W and 0.6m2 each, 25% capacity factor) spread over a comparable amount of land.

Put in other terms, the extent of land required for wind and solar farms to fully replace the fossil and nuclear capacity installed in USA (836GW as of 2017) would be roughly the size of Gambia - which is of course purely theoretical as solar and wind farms make sense only where sun shines, wind blows and communities grant their support, a set of requirements not easily met in power hungry industrialised countries.

These figures suggest that propelling the world into a carbon-free economy on land-based wind and solar alone is wishful thinking, yet the last few years have seen exponential growth of solar and wind farms because technology in these areas has reached commercial level and ROI can be calculated reliably at any scale, which is a major selling point to investors.

Sea to believe

By comparison, Marine Energy technology is far less mature and as such represents a significantly riskier and capital intensive proposition: access and deployment of large structures at sea remains expensive and hazardous, which ultimately affects Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE). However, with oceans covering 71% of the Earth surface and providing a virtually unlimited power resource (usable availability is estimated at 32'000 TWh per year) there is little question that MECs will become an essential part of the energy mix in the near future.

Driven by surging grid demand investments into MECs are rising, opening the way to a milestone shift of balance in Renewables. Developing efficient MECs has become one of the unprecedented technological challenges of our time requiring ingenuity, wisdom, scientific rigour and outstanding problem solving attitude - the same set of skills required to succeed in the competitive realm of Formula 1.

Failure not an option

Several marine based power generation concepts have been devised based on different technologies such as offshore wind, tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). Very few systems have been developed and demonstrated at full scale in arrays.

Regardless of the technology employed new ventures face enormous market pressure: not only feasibility of each concept must be proven at scale but the substantial development and deployment costs can only be recovered by targeting long operational lifespans of typically 25-30 years. The biggest challenge is therefore designing durable structures able to produce energy in vast amounts and withstand harsh environment conditions with minimal maintenance in order to achieve a competitive LCOE and minimise CO2 emissions inevitably associated with site-to-shore transport.

The weakest part defines reliability of the entire system: unlike land based systems failure of a minor component in a offshore submarine MEC can involve massive costs for recovery, repair and downtime, potentially compromising long term ROI. This aspect bears a striking similarity to Formula 1, where quest for maximum performance makes details of paramount importance for reliability: failure of a single bolt can make the difference between winning a race or failing to cross the finish line.

Harnessing tidal energy

Established in 2005 as a Renewable venture, Dublin-based OpenHydro patented a unique submarine tidal turbine concept with open centre design for high hydrodynamic efficiency and compatibility with marine wildlife. Openhydro were the first to generate electricity from tidal streams onto the UK National Grid and the first to demonstrate a method of safely deploying and recovering turbines offshore on the seabed.

When they planned to design, build and deploy their largest scale offshore demonstrator they turned to Siriotek for structural engineering and the long term collaboration proved to be a winning match.

Uncharted waters

Unlike wind and solar, submarine tidal streams turbines (TSTs) provide entirely predictable energy flow and do not visually impact landscapes, a key factor for winning community acceptance. In addition, compared to offshore wind farms TSTs do not obstruct navigation of ships and low-flying aircraft, and since water is 830 times denser than air they can be significantly smaller than wind installations of the same power. However TSTs must withstand higher and highly variable structural loading with the addition of possible impact with wildlife and flotsam, corrosive environment and the possibility of blade cavitation at shallower water depths, with ensuing damage.

Openhydro had already successfully designed and tested "small" 6m diameter rotors but plans were now in place to develop and deploy massive 16m turbines to be eventually connected in arrays. Siriotek was asked to come on board as principal consultant for the large scale demonstrator, a monumental engineering challenge with design specifications calling for:

A larger, 16m diameter and 300t turbine assembly;

A 700t subsea gravity support structure laid on the seafloor at depths of 50-60m;

Higher power output (2MW).

With no room for error achieving the operating targets for such a large project required a carefully calculated risk approach. MEC being a nascent industry meant no reliability standards or previous design reference data were available and Openhydro's brilliant engineers had to overcome massive unknowns. So when they looked for a partner to help grind the way to efficient and actionable solutions Siriotek was selected to bring on-board Formula 1 technology and engineering from an industry where delivering effective and practical answers to critical challenges is daily routine .

"Right first time” approach

It was essential to get the design right first time and over the course of the R&D programme Siriotek proposed a number of solutions which were approved for the rotor internal structure, the blade retention system and also the stator support system.

For each system, Openhydro design team submitted an initial proposal with drawings and CAD data.

Siriotek would then carry out simulations and structural FEA with sensitivity studies to predict the behaviour of the structures under extreme sea conditions using oceanographic data.

Durability analysis was employed to drive design improvements whilst reducing weight and simplify manufacturing, with special regard to fabricated parts.

High-strength corrosion resistant materials and surface treatments from F1 technology were recommended for key stressed components, with specific consideration given to compatibility of metallic interfaces for prevention of galvanic corrosion

Siriotek would then feed back a number of revised design options with recommended modifications, and after mutual consultations involving cost feasibility, a solution would be selected and the loop start again on the next system.

In addition to design analysis work Siriotek also devised efficient and cost effective rig testing for specific high risk sub-assemblies to validate results and prove out durability using accelerated test programs

Working together: onsite and remote

To facilitate integration with the design and engineering teams the first month of collaboration was held at the Openhydro design office near the beautiful village of Carlingford, in County Louth. Afterwards design analysis work took place remotely, with regular email contact and video conference reviews to set targets and monitor progress.

Every two weeks, Siriotek delivered a detailed presentation with the outcomes of analyses, simulations, and a number of design variant options with corresponding recommended actions. Video conferencing was used to clear questions or concerns and align the teams before moving on to the next iteration or project phase.

A Technical Success

Siriotek’s simulation processes and design expertise yielded a technical success for the client. We achieved a solution that was structurally efficient but also lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and economically viable for the expected lifespan.

Problems solved : The most noteworthy structural improvements were achieved with a bespoke design for the turbine stator supports on the subsea base. The solution proposed enhanced durability by 35%, while at the same time delivering a 50% drop in weight and a staggering 60% reduction in weld seam length, with significantly lower fabrication cost compared to the design initially planned.

USPs achieved : we demonstrated the feasibility of a unique submarine tidal system, able to generate a fully predictable stream of renewable power with no visual impact on the environment.

Upped durability and reduced manufacturing costs : Siriotek analysis models together with Formula 1 technology and design approach to reliability helped increase overall efficiency and durability whilst reducing weight and manufacturing costs, with direct impact on financial KPIs.

Outsourced Collaboration : A seamless integration with the remote design team was a key factor for our successful collaboration throughout the 3-years demonstrator programme, resulting in outstanding customer satisfaction.

The project was a technical success, with three demonstrators successfully deployed and operated at sea.

World Motorsport Symposium 2019

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 09:01:08 GMT

Over the last 14 years The World Motorsport Symposium has become the annual international motorsport cabinet meeting that leads the conversation in motorsport and automotive technology. The most senior international motorsport and automotive engineering decision makers get together with OEMs and suppliers, teams, buyers, governing bodies and engineering students to discuss how emerging technologies will shape the future of the sport and impact other sectors across the globe. You will find us there .

Advanced Engineering UK 2019

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 08:01:08 GMT

Join us at the Advanced Engineering UK 2019 ! If you are interested in meeting get in touch, we have a number of VIP admissions.

How Formula 1 contributes to winning challenges across industries

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 08:01:07 GMT

With growing public awareness and regulatory pressure on energy waste reduction and sustainability, efficient design in Product Development has now become imperative across all industries.

T oday “product efficiency” is no longer just a measure of functional efficiency (i.e. the ratio between useful output and required input for the intended product purpose) but a much wider (and wiser) indicator encompassing the collateral impact of manufacturing, supply and disposal chains.

Competing in Formula 1 is about solving problems to reduce parasitic losses at all levels. From lean decision making to efficient design solutions and sleek operations, the ultimate aim is to convert the greatest amount of kinetic energy from a given quantity of fuel over a fixed distance and within a set of regulations. So whilst the Sport is often portrayed by critics as a wasteful spectacle, from a strictly technical standpoint it is a race in efficiency down to the tiniest detail.

Competition forces individuals and teams to challenge and hone at a significant rate their skills, creativity, analytical reasoning, dedication, technology and organisation, with a pervasive sense of urgency uncommon in most businesses. From this perspective the contribution Formula 1 can offer to industry extends well beyond the traditional realm of technology transfer to include human traits such as determination, thoroughness, persistence, responsiveness.

This racing mindset is part of our nature at Siriotek, and we apply the same approach to help ambitious companies drive ground-breaking concepts and technologies to full realisation and develop existing products to meet increasingly demanding requirements. With multiple decades in Formula 1 and a track record backed by outstanding references we count one of the most iconic Teams among our Clients and have successfully delivered projects across Marine, Renewables, Robotics and Aerospace as well as Motorsport.

We are experienced engineering specialists devoted to solving problems and equipped with passion for novel challenges and state of the art tools. Our core proposition is to break design and development deadlocks and improve systems' efficiency by combining data analysis, advanced CAE simulations and relevant test programmes - outstanding customer service comes as standard.

We now look forward to your challenge - get in touch today!

Siriotek. A New Race Begins.

Tue, 07 May 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Some time ago I received an invitation from McKinsey European Operations Practice to be their guest speaker at the “Tune your Career” event which will take place on May 16th-18th at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. I feel both flattered and enthusiastic at the prospect of sharing my experience to inspire brilliant young professionals, especially as this invitation comes unexpectedly at a very important time in my own career. So this is perhaps a good moment for a brief emotional reflection on the past while keeping eyes and mind firmly on the future.

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

Exactly 20 years ago I had just graduated with distinction winning prizes for the final project but my sleepless nights were filled with anxious thoughts about the future. For weeks I had been incessantly flooding every F1 team with CVs and carefully worded cover letters. The response was invariably a very polite “No thanks”, sometimes accompanied by the usual consolatory formula: “We will keep your details on record”.

This being 1999, LinkedIn was yet to come and getting in touch with decision makers within organisations was difficult. In addition F1 was a closed and secretive small universe with Teams’ personnel a fraction of the huge corporate operations they are today and little room for new graduates. The few positions available were for experienced professionals, advertised on specialised press like IMechE’s Professional Engineering (still one of my favourite readings today).

LEGO DAYS

For as long as I can remember I have been a car nut, initiated to motorsport at a very early age by the duly care of my incredibly enthusiastic uncle. His magic trick was turning up at my parents’ without notice just before a racing weekend to collect me and drive to event destinations around Europe. Needless to say each time I was thrilled beyond belief. One day we were sitting on the main stand at Imola looking at the starting grid of my first F1 race. When the red lights went on he looked at me and realised I could not bear the huge roar of all engines revving up together, so the best thing he could come up with was to grip my wrists and force my hands away from my ears (where they were firmly pressed). His excuse for such a cruel act? He did that so I could never forget the “music” of NA engines before “muffled turbos” would take over the sport.

It worked.

Back at home I would delve deeply into technical details on any car magazine I could get hold of (they now fill a large room) and any time left was devoted to creating countless mechanical things with Meccano and Lego Technics. My last effort was at 14 and now sits on a showcase shelf in the form of a fully custom 3 gear transmission box equipped with a locking differential, built using a universal generic set (unlike the now ubiquitous model sets which come with instructions for building a specific Lego-design car or helicopter – i.e. killing creativity in the making!).

LIVING THE DREAM

For the record my first job after graduation was with Ricardo UK at Shoreham where I learned the ropes (and more) about real-world engineering. With insights, it was a great place to start my career and when the opportunity to join Sauber Petronas came along a few years later I felt more than ready to grab it in excitement.

The years that followed have been a fantastic journey into my childhood dream. I feel privileged and grateful to my family and many colleagues and friends who have supported me along the way not just to make it into F1 but also progress and go on to taste the incredible joy of winning the 2008 F1 Championship with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren: a truly astonishing experience for a car and motorsport enthusiast which I will treasure for the rest of my life.

F1 is the greatest global stage for engineers chasing celebrity and most people in the Circus are attracted by the spotlights and the associated kudos. For me the most thrilling emotions have always come from inside.

It’s the incredibly fulfilling sense of achievement that comes after cracking a new problem, coming up with an innovative concept or working together to take an idea all the way to full realisation that really makes my day, and the learning that every time comes along is a welcome bonus. It’s a feeling that goes back to the Meccano and Lego days and I feel lucky and grateful for this source of motivation independent of external factors.

BLANK SHEET PROJECT

With this very spirit and the backing of some great mentors I started Siriotek Ltd (UK) in 2014 to contribute to ambitious, high tech projects across the world.

The largest project so far has been the Open Centre Turbine. A venture operating in Renewables based in Dublin was looking for help to develop a unique, submarine tidal turbine concept. This was a brand new design and they required engineering support from specialists familiar with feasibility of concepts in uncharted territory, as it is often the case in F1. Step by step the project took shape and eventually turned into a great technical achievement with turbines successfully deployed at sea.

A NEW RACE

Today I feel the time is right to start a new race and a new chapter. Siriotek GmbH opens for business this week at Technopark Zurich, a leading hub for innovation. We are a group of creative and data-driven specialists with a common passion for engineering achievements and w e will use our core skills to help ambitious companies develop innovative products and technologies.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The journey has been great so far and certainly worth the considerable effort and inevitable pains which have occasionally come along. 20 years have gone past in the blink of an eye and it’s not easy to condense the takeaway from all this time in a sentence, but a quote attributed to Ray Bradbury comes handy:

“Do what you love. Love what you do.”