Black Rock Tidal Power Inc (BRTP), the Canadian subsidiary of German firm Schottel, has announced plans to install a tidal power project with a full capacity of 2.5MW in the Bay of Fundy.
BRTP will install Schottel tidal generators (STG) on a Triton platform developed by Tidal Stream Ltd. in which Schottel holds shares. Initially, the company will install the device with 16 STG turbines in the Spring 2016, giving a capacity of 1.1MW. A further 20 STG turbines will be added by early 2017 bringing it to full 2.5MW capacity.
“Our tidal turbines are very flexible components. This is obvious from the variety of projects operating with the turbines, and the trust of our clients and supporters, including the private sector as well as public authorities," said Niels Lange from Schottel. "Hydrokinetic energy will play an important role in the future energy mix. With our turbines we offer cost-effective harvesting!"
The STG is designed as a light-weight, robust tidal generator. Depending on the current velocity, one STG produces between 54 and 7 kW rated, grid-ready electric power based on rotor diameters between five and three meters. Each of the turbines is connected to a frequency converter feeding into a common DC bus installed on the tidal platform. Due to its modular approach, STG can be implemented in rivers, sea straits and tidal races offshore in jetty, floating or submerged platforms in varying quantities.
STG turbines are being installed this summer off the Isle of Wight on a platform designed by British company Sustainable Marine Energy (SME). Further operational experience will also be gained in 2014 and 2015 through test installations in Northern Ireland and Atlantic Canada.
Image: BRTP combines a Triton platform with Schottel STG turbines for energy harvesting in the Bay of Fundy. Courtesy of Schottel.
