Minesto is developing a new concept for tidal power plants called Deep Green. Deep Green is based on a new principle for electricity generation from tidal currents.
The electricity is produced when the water current creates a hydrodynamic lift force on the wing which pushes the kite forward. In addition, the wing includes watertight compartments for buoyancy system, batteries and pressure sensors.
The kite is steered in an 8-shaped trajectory by a rudder and reaches a speed ten times the water current speed. As the kite moves, water flows through the turbine and electricity is produced in the gearless generator. The electricity is transmitted through a cable in the tether attached to the wing. The electricity continues in sub-sea cables on the seabed to the shore.
The goal is to deploy a 1.5 MW Deep Green array in 2016, and afterwards increase it to a 10 MW array.
To date five prototypes have been built and tested. The electricity was first produced in 2009, and the first tests in authentic ocean environment were completed by the end of 2011. A ¼ scale prototype was deployed in 2013 and is currently undergoing extensive long-time sea trials in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland.
Take a look at the scaled Minesto’s device being tested in a water tank.
Source/Images: Minesto