Project: Tidal Turbine Commercial Development Program
Goal and Background_x000D__x000D_This EUROSTARS project will provide those seeking to invest in the initial tidal turbine arrays with a high degree of confidence in the reliability of the the technology. Drawing upon expertise throughout the European supply chain to develop a tidal turbine system that offers high performance and maximum reliability, a tidal turbine generator solutions that is characterized by higher efficiency, higher reliability and longer service intervals than the existing solutions due to more efficient and at the same time simpler cooling system, and a fully commissioned on-shore drive train test rig._x000D__x000D_Reliability has proven to be a critical parameter in determining the lifetime cost of energy (LCoE) associated with offshore wind. Intervention for COtenance of tidal energy converters is arguably more difficult and costly than offshore wind turbines. Therefore reliability will hold further significance in the LCoE for tidal energy arrays. This has been highlighted by those seeking to make investments into the first tidal array projects – utilities, project developers and financial institutions. _x000D__x000D_In recognition of this Atlantis, SmartMotor and the National Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC) have embarked upon a comprehensive optimisation process for a tidal turbine, tidal turbine power take off system and a tidal turbine onshore drive train test rig. _x000D__x000D_This process has started with the planned onshore testing of the AR1000 tidal turbine on the Nautilus testing rig (an onshore drive train test rig) at NAREC. This testing will expose the electrical and mechanical systems of the AR1000 tidal turbine to a simulated tidal operating environment, providing information on the operation of the first line tidal turbines, SmartMotor Generator and facilitating initial stages in the commissioning of the Nautilus onshore tidal turbine drive train test rig._x000D__x000D_Upon completion of a thorough design review of the prototype system, the project consortium will undertake a subsystem optimisation process, inclusive of electrical and mechanical systems to bring the turbine to commercial readiness. Further testing will be completed at NAREC to validate the Nautilus drive train rig and a complete mechanical system review, redesign and sub-component testing programme will be undertaken to further improve reliability of the first tidal turbine arrays and enhance investor confidence in the sector._x000D__x000D__x000D_Technical and Market Applications_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. _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, creates world-class high-tech industries, and can generate significant economic development._x000D__x000D__x000D_The Project Consortium_x000D__x000D_The Project Consortium combines the complimentary skills of a innovative tidal turbine technology developer, the cutting edge research & development of an electrical system integrator and the thorough assessment systems and processes of a world leading test facility.
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Acronym
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TTCDP
(Reference Number: 7981)
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Duration
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01/07/2013 - 30/06/2016
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Project Topic
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The TTCDP project will enhance the electrical and mechanical performance of a commercial scale tidal turbine. With 10 technology innovations across the project, the results will offer breakthroughs in reliability and redundancy, to ensure the commercial readiness of tidal energy.
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Network
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Eurostars
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Call
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Eurostars Cut-Off 9
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Project partner
