Water Current Turbines for River Applications - Alaska Energy ...

WCT EvaluationNRCan-06-01071Tidal Turbine Generator- CLEAN CURRENT POWER SYSTEMS- (Canada)Technology: Clean Current’s tidal turbine generator is a bi-directional ducted horizontal axis turbinewith a direct drive variable speed permanent magnet generator. One version of the system mayincorporate dual side by side turbines with protective screens. Operability is enhanced by a simpledesign that has one moving part -the rotor assembly that combines turbine and generator functions. Theblades have permanent magnets attached to them, and the duct incorporates the coils. There is no driveshaft and no gearbox. The developer states that the proprietary design delivers better than 50 per centwater-to-wire efficiency. The turbine generator has an estimated design life of 10 years (major overhaulevery 10 years) and a service life of 25-30 years. The turbine, mounted on a pile in about 15 m of water,is completely underwater and causes no visual impact on marine environments. Commercial scalemodels are expected to be 14 m in diameter and produce approximately 250 kW.Application: Tidal sites greater than 15 m deep appears to be focus, but the device could be used indeeper rivers.Stage of Development: Clean Current is a key partner in the “Clean Current Tidal PowerDemonstration Project at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve” about 10 nautical miles southwest ofVictoria. The $4 million project is a partnership between Pearson College, EnCana Corporation ofCanada, and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver. EnCana is investing $3 million in the projectfrom its environmental innovation fund. The project is expected to produce more than enough electricityto replace two diesel generators and provide power to the college's marine education centre on GreatRace Rock Island by 2006. Clean Current developed and built the prototype of a tidal turbine generatorwhich harnesses the power of ocean currents to produce electricity. Testing will take place in about 15 mof water. The prototype being tested is 3.5 m in diameter and can produce approximately 10 kW. Theunit has been tested in fresh water, but will be scrutinized closely over the next 18 months to see how itholds up to corrosion resulting from a marine, saltwater environment. Financial figures and scheduleprojections reflect the views of the developer only and not any independent assessment.Verdant Power Canada ULC 15