Power Trains for Tidal Turbines

This engineering study  assessed the potential for using seawater hydraulics to replace gearboxes on tidal turbines. The basic concept is a large, low-speed, high-pressure pump using seawater as the working fluid, to drive a Pelton Wheel or similar impulse turbine via a high pressure pipe system. This will then drive a conventional electricity generator. The work was performed in partnership with Marine Current Turbines (MCT) with support from DBERR.

Project Goals

• Evaluate the complete hydraulic power system for the twin axial flow rotor tidal turbine
• To collect a database of relevant information on positive displacement pumps and associated equipment to gain an understanding of the “state of the art”.
• To develop the system model, define preferred sub-systems and components, and derive cost data.
• To develop the pump model and derive cost data.
• Undertake a market research study, to identify potential commercial applications for the system and to further investigate the application for tidal turbines
• Establish engineering requirements needed to develop the system

Applications

• Water-based hydraulic cost benefits analysis
• Generic cost and engineering model for evaluating water based hydraulic power transmission systems