Norwegian Ocean Power, Norway, has successfully completed the initial trials on its Pulsus horizontal-axis spiral-design tidal turbine. These trials were primarily aimed at testing the bearings of the turbine which are a critical part of the unit. The work was carried out at Drammensfjorden in Norway where the dynamic test on the composite structure and bearings was performed.
The engineering, design, and the bearing itself was supplied by Vesconite Bearings, South Africa, while Norwegian Ocean Power looked at the deflection and the bearing’s ability to absorb structural vibration resulting from the turbulence that can be associated with tidal turbine operation. The 0.5metre diameter Vesconite bearings which were installed on each end of the horizontal unit, also performed well in their ability to absorb vibration.
They were chosen after the testing of various competing products that were less flexible and exhibited dry-run problems. Norwegian Ocean Power has developed a tidal current turbine based on the Darrieus turbine design with one moving part that drives a variable speed direct drive generator, which in turns produces electricity. The company is focused on the development of its first commercial unit, planned to have the capacity of 350kW.
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Tidal turbine trial
VATIS UPDATE Part
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