February 2024
Prototype iterating, patent development, grant proposals, and animations!
The printer ran 24/7 for all of February. Chinook 3.0 is complete, Dorado 2.0 is almost finished; both will be tested in March. Last year, our grant proposals were not accepted. For this solicitation cycle, we are teaming up with world-leading research institutions (Woods Hole Oceanographic & Sandia Labs) to increase our odds.
Animations
Over the past few weeks, Utah-based animator Jacob Moreno has put together amazing visualizations of Sitkana’s technology. These will be added to Sitkana’s website during the next update. Here is a glimpse of the Chinook in action:
Grant Proposals
DOE SBIR Co-Development with Woods Hole
For this SBIR solicitation cycle, there were several promising subtopics to go after. Ultimately, we decided to pursue a Co-Development Proposal with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI). The proposal is to work with their Buoy Team to develop a device to provide reliable, low-wattage power to offshore buoy systems.
TEAMER Study with Sandia Labs
Sandia National Laboratories reached out about a collaborative grant proposal. Sandia Labs is investigating mountable hydrokinetic energy systems and our technology is ready-made to fit into their proposal. This study would encompass performance results, cost analysis, and a publicly available tool tailored toward Sitkana’s technology.
This is a full circle moment for me. In 2010, I was a marine biology student at Alaska Pacific University. I planned to spend my life in marine research. I had the specific ambition of working with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute — arguably the world’s leading marine biology research facility. After experiencing Alaska’s tidal currents the next summer, I decided to abandon my marine biology career, transfer into mechanical engineering & attempt to find a solution to tidal energy. Over a decade later, I am working alongside Woods Hole on a project proposal. My nineteen-year-old self would be proud.
Chinook 3.0 Development
From version 2.0 to 3.0, we reduced cost by 33% ($1200→$800 per unit)
PSS Shaft Seal ($277) → O-ring ($5)
Reduced cost & improved operation
40lb lead weight ($120) → 40lb concrete ($5)
Reduced cost & improved operation
Coming this month
Open water testing of Chinook 3.0 and Dorado 2.0 prototypes