OblinEngine is preparing a full-depth integrated demonstrator in New South Wales, Australia, designed to validate system performance, generate independently verifiable engineering data and reduce the key uncertainties remaining after TRL 5 testing.
Previous testing has demonstrated the core hydraulic uplift mechanism at both shallow and deep-shaft scale. The Australian demonstrator is intended to test the major system elements together under instrumented operating conditions.
The project is designed to replace assumptions with measured data across the complete energy pathway, from compressor electrical input through air injection and hydraulic uplift to turbine-generator electrical output.
Conceptual engineering visualisation. Final demonstrator geometry remains subject to detailed design and procurement.
Measure water flow and hydraulic head across representative air-injection rates and operating conditions.
Characterise compressor demand, air pressure and air-flow requirements at full demonstrator depth.
Measure turbine-generator output under actual demonstrator head and flow conditions.
Compare measured electrical input with measured electrical recovery across defined test conditions.
Evaluate system stability, repeatability and operating behaviour over representative run durations.
Produce validated inputs for future commercial engineering, cost estimation and system sizing.
The current demonstrator concept is based on a deep vertical system in the approximate 170 to 200 metre range, materially deeper than the completed 92.5 metre test.
The integrated system is intended to include the uplift shaft, controlled air injection, compressor package, hydraulic circuit, turbine-generator, electrical connection, instrumentation and data-acquisition equipment.
Final dimensions, turbine selection, pipework, compressor configuration and operating envelope will be set through detailed engineering and supplier procurement.
Current dimensions and equipment ratings are design-stage parameters. They should not be interpreted as final as-built specifications until engineering and procurement are complete.
Provides the water-column depth required for full-depth air injection and hydraulic uplift testing.
Supplies controlled compressed air across the required pressure and flow range.
Introduces air at depth and enables controlled testing of air-flow and bubble behaviour.
Routes uplifted water through the power-recovery stage and returns it to the closed-loop system.
Converts measured hydraulic head and flow into electrical output for system-performance assessment.
Supports local three-phase operation, metering, control and integration with site electrical infrastructure.
The demonstrator is intended to be instrumented so that technical performance can be assessed from recorded data rather than inferred from visual behaviour.
Data logging is intended to support Modbus-based monitoring and independent review of the measured results.
A central objective of the demonstrator is to generate evidence that can be reviewed independently rather than relying solely on internal interpretation.
Independent verification is intended to examine the test methodology, instrumentation, measured performance and evidence supporting the claimed technology-readiness progression.
Australia is the immediate focus of OblinEngine's next technology-development stage.
Long-duration storage is increasingly relevant as electricity systems integrate higher levels of variable renewable generation.
Australia provides a strong environment for renewable-energy demonstration, engineering services and grid-scale technology development.
Successful Australian validation would provide a stronger technical basis for future domestic and international deployment opportunities.
Successful demonstration would provide measured inputs for the next stage of system design, including efficiency modelling, equipment optimisation, cost estimation and larger-scale deployment studies.
It would also allow future commercial claims to be based on a substantially stronger engineering evidence base than is possible at the current development stage.
OblinEngine's immediate development focus is an instrumented Australian demonstrator designed to establish the evidence required for TRL 6 progression.