Presentation of the Concept.
Global Energy: Present Day Sources:
Global Energy: A Renewable Future:
Potential Renewables:
- WIND TURBINES.
- WAVE POWER.
- SOLAR PANELS.
- PV CELLS.
- GEOTHERMAL.
- TIDAL POWER.
- BIO FUELS.
- OTEC/DETEC
Tidal Power:
- Tides never set, become calm or grow dark.
- Their strength and power is recorded daily for all to know and use.
- Tidal Energy is one of the largest renewable resources available to nations around the world, day and night.
The Benefits:
- World wide distribution.
- High concentrations of kinetic energy.
- Reduced visual aspect of generators.
- Possible to cross-link with freshwater production, hydrogen production, etc.
- Tidal energy areas can become fish & crustacean sanctuaries & nurseries.
- Tidal & wave generators can help prevent coastal erosion.
- Tidal predictability can overcome the renewables intermittency problem.
The Challenges:
- Harsh conditions.
- Corrosive elements.
- Marine encrustation.
- Sensitive environment.
- Prior area usage.
- Site ownership.
Early Thoughts & Ideas:
- The oldest variant of the under-shot water wheel looks similar to the side wheel on a paddle steamer.
- It has its lowest extremities immersed in the flowing stream, which causes the wheel to rotate.
- This system is a good low-tech option for a high torque / low head turbine but would be very susceptible to damage in a marine environment in it’s standard form.
The Hales Turbine Concept:
- The oldest variant of the under-shot water wheel looks similar to the side wheel on a paddle steamer.
- It has its lowest extremities immersed in the flowing stream, which causes the wheel to rotate.
- This system is a good low-tech option for a high torque / low head turbine but would be very susceptible to damage in a marine environment in it’s standard form.
Some of the Early Sketches (were very basic indeed):
What Do We Gain By This?:
- A turbine fully immersed underwater, safe from surface action.
- Power blades receiving full tidal flow.
- Non-active power blades feathered to reduce drag.
- Smooth operation, low impact or acoustic noise.
- Very few moving parts.
- Strong and simple.
Proof of Concept Trials:
How The Turbine Can Be Used:
Tidal Barrier Types:
Fujita Research.
Sea-Bed Located Types:
Early Concept Model.
Improved Seabed Concept:
The Next Stage:
The simplicity of the design allows for operation in both one way and two way water flows. The Power blade control stops make the turbine rotate in the same direction every time.
The correct positioning of the power blades, to start the rotation of the turbine, can be achieved by several methods.
The next stage for this Prime Mover design is to assess the power output efficiency of the turbine. This will done by computer modelling or controlled tow tank work.
If, as we believe, the turbine efficiency is closer to that possible with conventional water wheels then the uses for this slow moving, but high torque, design will widen the areas of application to those previously considered too shallow or slow for consideration.
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