24Jan
By: Joachim Amland On: 24. January 2017 In: Ukategorisert Comments: 0

After being mentioned specifically as a promising solution for both cost reduction and efficiency gain in the Hendry review, Tidetec has had a very good start of 2017. To further improve our concept, Tidetec have now conducted initial engineering for a full-scale application (20 MW turbine system with a 7 m diameter turbine runner), together with engineering companies FEMKUBER and HUGG. The analysis show a very promising business case: an efficiency gain of 11% in addition to cost reductions for the complete system of 6-9%.

“We are more confident than ever regarding our solution – this will have a significant impact on the profitability of the proposed Tidal lagoons in UK”

Full scale engineering of the turret shows a weight of approximately 270 tonnes, the dimensioning of the steel structure is well within fatigue limits, given an operation time of 50 years. The cost calculations show a cost reduction of the total system, even with an added turret cost. This due to the turning mechanism only adds around 4-7% and the turret allows for a much simpler and cost effective runner design. The Straflo turbine design uses less materials than a conventional bulb turbine – this allows for cost savings on the materials.

In addition to the full-scale engineering of the turret, we stand on more solid ground regarding turbine and pumping efficiencies, as the Technical University in Munich have conducted simulations on the turbine system.

“Plant production simulations show an unmatched performance compared to today’s turbine solutions. These simulations are based on the turbine efficiencies, flow rates in both pumping and turbining mode, and a set operational regime for the tidal power plant.”

The efficiencies will be confirmed through laboratory testing of our model turbine at the Technical University in Munich in the second quarter of 2017.