Search for low-cost tidal stream energy converter arrays
The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has started the search for organisations and consortia capable of designing and demonstrating low-cost commercial scale tidal stream energy converter (TEC) arrays.
The project will be commissioned in two phases. The first will require organisations to identify specific technical opportunities for reducing the cost of energy of TEC arrays and the second will be the development and demonstration of the best opportunities as part of a TEC array demonstration.
It is expected that there will be opportunities for cost reduction throughout the array system, but novel support structures such as foundation design, innovative power take off (PTO) systems, and subsea infrastructure and network connection are the primary areas of interest to the ETI.
These innovations will be applied to create low through-life cost, commercial scale, horizontal-axis axial-flow TEC arrays, which will improve the competitiveness of the industry and accelerate array deployment.
The ETI is looking for teams that have a broad range of skills in TEC device and array design, offshore engineering and deployment, offshore electrical systems and major engineering supply chain groups.
A Request for Proposals (RfP) has been issued for organisations wanting to get involved in the project and more details are available at http://www.energytechnologies.co.uk/Home/Technology-Programmes/Requests_for_Proposals_copy1.aspx
The deadline for the notification of intention to submit a proposal is 6th May, 2011 and all proposals must be received by 23rd May, 2011.
A project briefing event will be held at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Savoy Place, London on 7th April. To register for a place at the ETI briefing session please email marineevent@eti.co.uk. The briefing will be followed by an industry networking event open to all interested parties hosted by RenewableUK.
More details on both events can be found at http://www.bwea.com/registration/eti
Send this story to a colleague
