Eco Factor: Tidal energy generator to provide a continuous supply of renewable energy.
Neptune Renewable Energy (NREL) has announced the development of a breakthrough tidal power generator, which will undergo sea trial at Hull early next year. Dubbed the Proteus, the £1 million, 150-ton generator is being claimed to be 30% more efficient than conventional hydro dam designs and can provide a continuous supply of renewable energy.
The state-of-the-art generator features a steel hull, turbine and buoyancy chambers, which allows it to work equally well in ebb and flow tides. The system consists of a vertical axis cross-flow turbine mounted within symmetrical venture diffusers that efficiently convert tidal energy into electricity.
NREL has selected the Humber Estuary for the first deployment of Proteus, as given its depth and tidal flow, is considered one of the best locations in the British Isles for tidal stream power. Once deployed, the advanced Neptune Proteus NP1000 should generate at least 1000MWh of electricity each year.
Via: UKInvest
