The two greatest obstacles to a wide spread adoption of superconductivity remain the limited understanding of its fundamental principles and the yet insufficient capability for large-scale, cost-effective deployment of the technology. Science rather than serendipity is the key to unlock the potentials of this alluring natural phenomenon. The proposed ITN integrates sound research projects aimed at learning to predict the behaviour of superconducting materials, at introducing innovative manufacturing techniques, at developing efficient cryogenic refrigeration techniques as key enablers for future applications and establishing these technologies as the new state of the art. The ambitious goals of this consortium are (1) making advanced superconductors fitter for the market, (2) assessing their innovation capacities and (3) equipping a new generation of researchers with the unique skills required to convert knowledge into products: Efficient grid power management, 21st century medical imaging, leaps in effectiveness of wind power generators, efficient electric propulsion systems and sustainable refrigeration for industry give an impression of the potential societal benefits that superconductor-based technologies can catalyze. This initiative under European leadership federates leading universities, research centres and industries, embracing a variety of science sectors, such as physics and mathematics, material sciences, process and mechanical engineering, refrigeration, cryogenics and innovation management. The intriguing blend of science and engineering, compounded by visionary application opportunities in companies, creates a fertile environment for innovative training of early-stage researchers. Significant training lead-times call for a dedicated action. This ITN will provide its fellows with a sound knowledge in the relevant fields along with business competences and prepare them for a broad spectrum of career opportunities in research and industry.

The SEA-TITAN project aims at making a step change in the wave energy sector by designing, building, testing and validating a crosscutting and innovative Direct Drive Power Take-Off (PTO) solution to be used with multiple types of wave energy converter. The design will be based on the existing Wedge Global W200 PTO prototype and will focus on augmenting its specific force density and efficiency to levels which can significantly increase the energy capture in many types of Wave Energy Converters. These enhancements will also solve one of the key issues with WEC PTO systems, namely achieving sufficiently high peak force to limit hitting end-stops during large waves whilst maintaining high efficiency and low cost for the average wave case. The performance and reliability demanded by wave energy systems exceeds the normal capabilities of commercial, off the shelf components commonly used in other industries. In the few cases where they are suitable, the costs often prove prohibitive. In addition, the lack of predominant PTO technology is causing a barrier to establishing a dedicated supply chain. Currently each original equipment manufacturer system has different requirements, and pursuing the development of bespoke components not only limits the utility of the end product but also multiplies the development costs. The objective of SEA TITAN proposal is to break this practice and to develop an optimized crosscutting power take-off based on the existing switched reluctance linear generator from Wedge Global with application to multiple systems through collaboration with multiple wave energy developers and an industrial partner with a strong track record on technology. In addition this proposal aims to offer the developed technology open source to promote update and accelerate innovation.