Installation to start on world first prototype tidal stream generator
Installation of a prototype tidal stream generator is due to commence this week, after the Secretary of State, John Hutton, granted planning permission last month. The Pulse Stream 100 is the world’s first shallow water tidal stream grid connected generator, and the prototype will help reveal opportunities to use well located shallow water resources in close proximity to power consumers. The high energy intensity device is able to capture a significant amount of the energy contained within tidal flows as its arrangement is not restricted by water depth.
The PS100 is a 100kW tidal power device. It is specifically designed for shallow water and uses high-performance hydrofoils like underwater aeroplane wings which move up and down in the same way that a whale's tail does. This captures the energy from the tidal stream currents which can be converted to electricity.
Manufacture and installation is underway and a commissioned device is expected in the middle of this year. The PS 100 will be tested in the Humber Estuary near Grimsby. Hampshire based IT Power is the lead partner for this DTI/DBERR assisted project. It is also a collaborative project involving Econnect, BMT, Corus and the University of Hull. Key suppliers are, Siemens Flender, Bosch Rexroth, Control Techniques and Leroy Somer, with Pulse Tidal delivering on technical side of the project.
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