Tidal generator
With the problems associated with the
burning of fossil fuels becoming an increasing worry the race is on
to find environmentally acceptable, economically efficient
alternatives for energy production. The UK is surrounded by some of
the most energetic seas on Earth so marine based solutions are an
obvious area to be investigated.
Electricity generating devices that are
employed beneath the surface of the sea to exploit tidal and
current energy have many advantages. They are less damaging to the
environment, they are out of sight, non-polluting, and as they are
offshore, do not have the problems associated with estuarine
systems where silting and habitat disturbances can be significant
challenges. However, because of their location beneath the surface,
maintenance can be a costly so it becomes important to keep such
maintenance to a minimum.
One particular problem is with fouling
organisms, which grow on the installations, decreasing efficiency
and affecting structural integrity and stability. Antifouling
coatings can be applied but they will require regular maintenance
and may have environmental impacts.
PML Applications Ltd is a sub-contractor
of Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) on the Energy Technologies
Institute (ETI) ReDAPT (ReDAPT – Reliable Data Acquisition Platform
for Tidal) programme. PML is working in partnership with
Rolls-Royce, TGL, EMEC, E.ON, EDF, Garrad Hassan and the University
of Edinburgh to develop an innovative tidal generator on a
commercial scale, which will provide a baseline of data that will
directly feed into the rollout of tidal turbines around the UK.
The ETI is a public-private partnership
between global industry and the UK Government tasked with
developing and demonstrating engineering and technology that will
provide secure, sustainable and affordable energy and help the UK
meet its legally binding carbon reduction targets.
PML Applications Ltd and PML are involved in
an analysis of biofouling of tidal generators; through a
detailed study of existing and new anti-fouling coatings, together
with an investigation of the location, reproductive cycles, larval
transport and attachment mechanisms of the organisms responsible
for fouling. It is anticipated that the results of this research
should inform choices of materials and coatings for use at tidal
and wave energy sites worldwide.
