Turbine Device for Harvesting Tidal Energy

Opportunity

Tidal energy, produced by the natural rise and fall of tides due to the gravitational interaction between Earth, the sun and the moon, is a powerful and predictable renewable energy source. Tidal stream generators draw energy from water currents in a way similar to how wind turbines draw energy from air currents. Because water is denser than air, tidal energy is more potent than wind energy, producing significantly more power with the same turbine diameter and rotor speed. Unlike wind or solar energy, tidal power is consistent and predictable, making it an attractive renewable energy source.  

Current commercial turbines, which are predominantly horizontal with vertical axes, have lower swept areas and are affected by the wakes of other turbines in an array. These turbines are neither modular nor easily scalable. For tidal energy to be commercially viable, it is crucial to develop new technologies that have lower installation and maintenance costs, reduce environmental impact and can be applied across more locations. Therefore, there is a need for a new turbine configuration that is modular, scalable, cost-effective and has minimum wake influence when arranged in an array.

Technology

This technology introduces a highly efficient, cost-effective and large swept area cross-flow tidal turbine array integrated with existing pylon structures. The single generator design can extract maximum power from ocean tidal currents flowing between existing pylon spaces in both upstream and downstream directions with minimal environmental impact. When the proposed turbine rotates due to tidal currents, pressure differences are created on the top and bottom surfaces of the blades, allowing it to generate power in both flow directions. 

Applications & Advantages  

Main application areas include harnessing tidal energy for power generation in both shallow and deep-water sites using existing pylon structures. 

Advantages: 

• Offers a cost-effective solution with a large-scale, efficient rotor design.
• Scalable to fit various site locations, including both shallow and deep waters.
• Features a semi-buoyant design with minimal support structures.
• Modular, lightweight and easily integrated into existing pylon structures, operating as a floating tidal array.
• Resistant to biofouling and seaweed growth.
• Robust, low maintenance and capable of delivering consistent energy throughout the year.