Concept Development of an Oscillating Tidal Power Generator

The Engineering Business Ltd. (EBL) have developed a patented system for generating electricity from oscillating hydroplanes driven by flowing water. The concept started development with the award of a Smart Award from the UK governments Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in 1998, which led to the development of the Active Water Column Generator (AWCG). The AWCG was a simple, sea / air interface device which demonstrated, through the actuation of hydroplanes in moving water, that power could be generated. However, this concept suffered from inherent size and vulnerability limitations. It was decided to alter the basic form such that it is now seabed mounted, and therefore protected from the worst storm and wave effects. This concept, known as Stingray, is being developed under the New and Renewable Energy Research and Development program run by the DTI. Following the successful conclusion of the first phase of work, a fast-track 15 week feasibility study undertaken in the last quarter of 2001, phase two of the program is well under way. This involves a full design study, for 2002/3, to design, install, operate, decommission and evaluate a 150kW demonstrator — the first of its kind internationally. This paper describes the progression from concept to demonstrator design, focussing on the modelling work undertaken in the initial investigation and plans for its subsequent validation. It outlines mathematical and physical modelling techniques used and then gives a brief summary of the findings to date.