It’s a twin underwater turbine generator that should generate about 1.2 MW of electrical energy. The generators are to be located off the coast of Northern Ireland, and will be a significant demonstration of tidal power conversion technology.

There had been many variants of tidal power turbine plants over the years, ranging from floating pool collectors, closed off bay hydro-power plants, to wind-turbine like systems such as the one mentioned to be installed in Northern Ireland. The problem so far has been limited power generation and rather large construction cost. Additionally, there are ecological problems, as these machines render a significant surrounding area very unfavorable towards wild life.

Marine Current Turbines, a company based in Bristol, UK, which is the author of the underwater turbine project in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, claims its turbines will not effect the ecosystem in any significant way. Effect on the ecosystem is a common problem for all tidal power turbine projects, and has thus far been probably the biggest obstacle for this technology. The turbines themselves, are to be very similar to wind-turbines, with impeller diameter of up to 20 m, and no more than 20 RPM. The twin turbines will basically sit on a wing hanged on a huge pillar embedded deep into the sea bed. The whole setup will rotate to capture the current as it hits the turbines, and thus give optimal performance at all times.

This is a test project, but Marine Current Turbines is planning on building turbine farms later on, that altogether could generate up to 20% of UK’s electricity needs, which is impressive.

[ Via Newsscientist ]

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