Blue Energy Technology
The Blue Energy ocean turbine acts as a highly efficient underwater vertical-axis windmill and has several remarkable advantages conferred upon it arising from the following basic science: Sea water is 832 times more dense than air, and it is a non-compressible medium, therefore an 8-knot tidal current provides the equivalent force of a 390 km/hr wind (approximately). Developed by veteran aerospace engineer Barry Davis, the Blue Energy vertical-axis turbine represents two decades of Canadian research and development. Four fixed hydrofoil blades of the turbine are connected to a rotor that drives an integrated gearbox and electrical generator assembly. The turbine is mounted in a durable concrete marine caisson which anchors the unit to the ocean floor, directs flow through the turbine further concentrating the resource supporting the coupler, gearbox, and generator above it. These sit above the surface of the water and are readily accessible for maintenance and repair. The hydrofoil blades employ a hydrodynamic lift principal that causes the turbine foils to move proportionately faster than the speed of the surrounding water. Computer optimized cross-flow design ensures that the rotation of the turbine is unidirectional on both the ebb and the flow of the tide.
The design of the Blue Energy Ocean Turbine requires no new construction methodology, it is structurally and mechanically straightforward. The transmission and electrical systems are similar to thousands of existing hydroelectric installations. Power transmission is by submersible kV DC cabling and safely buried in the ocean sediments with power drop points for coastal cities and connections to the continental power grid. A standardized high production design makes the system economic to build, install and maintain.
The Blue Energy Ocean Turbine can be arranged in four distinct and flexible platforms:
Micro Power System - This is a 5 to 25kW assembly to service the remote domestic consumer.
Midrange Power System - Using two 250kW Blue Energy ocean turbines, this unit will be off-grid competitive initially, and grid competitive within three to four years time. Suitable for use in remote communities, industrial sites, and resorts in regions with net metering policies or dependence on costly and polluting diesel generation.
Blue Energy Power System - For large scale power production, multiple turbines are linked in series to create a tidal fence across an ocean passage or inlet. These are large scale, site specific, custom engineered energy installations which will vary in size and output by location. These structures have the added benefit as a transportation solution.
Mega Power System - A scaled-up version of the Blue Energy Power System, the mega class is a tidal fence capable of producing thousands of megawatts of power. These tidal fences can be many kilometers long and can operate in depths of up to 70 metres.
To date, six prototypes of the turbine have been built and tested under the auspices of the National Research Council of Canada and independent assessments have verified feasibility.
Mega Power System - A scaled-up version of the Blue Energy Power System, the mega class is a tidal fence capable of producing thousands of megawatts of power. These tidal fences can be many kilometers long and can operate in depths of up to 70 metres.
To date, six prototypes of the turbine have been built and tested under the auspices of the National Research Council of Canada and independent assessments have verified feasibility.
