Turbines and Tidal Energy by Jeffrey

For those of you checking in for the first time; De and I are working on an unmanned instrument that will collect tidal energy data, current measuring device (CMD). Based on our data we will determine if tidal energy is a viable alternative and renewable source of electricity.

                                                                                                    
This week I wanted to share some other styles of water turbines.The sea kite is designed in Sweden and will be deployed off the coast of Ireland for testing.                                                                                           

These units at a minimum of 20 meters below the surface are tethered to the sea floor. They work in low velocity currents: less than 2.5 m/s and can produce 500 kW.

What I found totally interesting about these units is they perform 10 times faster than the current they operate in. That results in a 1000 times more energy; which means they are very efficient.






The hydrocoil or clustered hydrocoil is designed for areas where water is on the constant flow; whether it be culverts, streams, rivers, or  ocean currents. 







The single unit has a 2 kW output. It is similar to an Archimedes Screw; but, it uses the more advanced helical design. This design is much more efficient.


Efficiency is key when it comes to output. The propeller style turbines are ~20% efficient; while the helical design is ~35% efficient. The Pelamis style is ~70%.  

Last week Houston had asked a question in regards to the horizontal turbine; the TideGen  produces 150 kW. For Angela; the TideGen is in use off the coast of Italy and the river turbine is currently in use in Ecuador. One unit serves 10 households and meets the World Bank Standards for Rural Electrification.