Project: Tidal Energy Hydrodynamic Absorber Programme
This EUROSTARS project will reduce the cost of tidal energy by creating cost effective high reliability tidal turbine blades (also referred to as hydrodynamic absorbers (HAD)). It will be executed by a unique collaboration between 1st and 2nd generation tidal energy converter (TEC) manufacturers, that will see both parties extend the vertical integration of their supply chains (See Annex A, Section 1)._x000D__x000D_Climate change and an increasing dependency on imported energy by the European Member States_x000D_require the comprehensive and ambitious development of renewable energy sources. Tidal energy is a_x000D_renewable energy that has great potential for a significant contribution to the reduction of European greenhouse gas emissions, can produce 15% of the European electricity mix, offers a local and decentralised energy source, whilst also creating world-class high-tech industries. However, at present the cost of tidal energy is approximately EUR 0.29-0.33/kWh (Carbon Trust, July 2011), far high than competing renewable energy sources. _x000D__x000D_In order to reach a target cost of energy equal or below that of mature renewable energy technologies such as offshore wind, it is understood that innovation steps are required across all of the sub-systems within a tidal energy device. This EUROSTARS project targets one area in which the supply chain has failed to deliver a technical solution for the tidal energy industry with the required cost reduction trajectories; the tidal turbine blade or hydrodynamic absorber ( in this proposal grouped as HAD). In addition to the recognised need to increase HAD reliability in terms of mean time between failure, turbine developers seeking to purchase tidal turbine HADs for the world’s first tidal energy arrays are requesting performance warranties and reliability guarantees. At present no tidal turbine HAD manufacturer can offer technology developers both the reduced costs, high reliability and accompanying warranty, due to insufficient testing and performance data. _x000D__x000D_To address these issues this project's goals are to reduce the cost of tidal HADs whilst improving performance and offering improved reliability, delivering the net objective of driving down the cost of tidal energy. This will be achieved by exploring the application of two materials (carbon fiber composite (CFC) and glass reinforced plastic(GRP)) and two production techniques (autoclave (AC) and vacuum infusion(VI)) for the manufacture of two tidal energy HADs. Specific focus will be made to the simplification of the production of the HAD, further reducing cost as well as significantly increasing reliability & resilience to failure. To ensure maximum market penetration of the results, this project will focus on development of both a 1st generation tidal technology for tidal flows of +2m/s (high resource) and a 2nd generation tidal technology for tidal flows of below 2m/s (low resource). The project will also develop an innovative certification methodology to prove the viability of these products to ensure market readiness. _x000D__x000D_The project consortium combines the R&D skills and expertise of two TEC device developers. Atlantis Operations (UK) Ltd (AUK) is the UK subsidiary of world leading tidal developer Atlantis Resources Corporation, which deployed a 1MW tidal stream turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre in 2011, a 1st generation tidal technology. In this project AUK will develop a HAD for the world's largest horizontal axis TEC, optimised for flows of above 2 m/s. Minesto AB (MAB) was founded in 2007 with the aim of developing and commercialising a SAAB (the aircraft manufacturer) invention for producing electricity from low velocity tidal and ocean currents. Minesto has a unique, patented and internationally awarded technology, Deep Green, a 2nd generation tidal technology. In this project MAB will develop a HAD for their innovative Deep Green technology to harness tidal flows of 1-2M/S. The consortium Ps introduce a wealth of experience in the development of TEC HAD and their complimentary positions within the tidal energy market will facilitate extensive knowledge exchange that would not viable via other technology developer collaborations._x000D__x000D_The key market that this project is aimed at is the renewable energy market, specifically the tidal stream industry. This falls within the energy generation and supply market sector. The outcomes of this project will assist the entire tidal energy industry as both members of the consortium, AUK and MAB aim to diversify into HAD manufacture, supplying complimentary sections of the market.
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Acronym
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TEHADP
(Reference Number: 8176)
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Duration
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02/12/2013 - 30/09/2016
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Project Topic
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The TEHADP will aid the vertical integration of two tidal energy technology developers, spanning both 1st and 2nd generation devices. Investigating optimum fabrication materials, manufacturing techniques and designs to result in certified products that can be supplied into the market.
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Network
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Eurostars
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Call
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Eurostars Cut-Off 10
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Project partner
