TIDEGEN - Submerged Modular Generators for Tidal Energy
Lead Participant:
CGEN ENGINEERING LTD
Abstract
The TIDEGEN project by CGEN Engineering is pioneering and innovative. Aimed at enabling successful growth of the tidal energy sector, the project represents a significant technological advancement for electrical generator systems. Designed to address critical challenges currently facing tidal energy developers, including:
* Reducing the tidal sector Levelised Cost of Energy (LCoE)
* Enhancing and de-risking system scalability
* Improving system survivability and maintenance
* Reducing system costs
* Creating an invaluable supply chain
TIDEGEN further improves on technology originally developed within the University of Edinburgh. Over the course of 12 months, a modular generator, control system and power electronics will be designed for tidal energy. Utilising Swansea's META tidal test site, the project will deploy the innovative generator system integrated within a tidal turbine system to undergo rigorous submarine testing. In parallel, manufacturing, cost and commercial pathways will be assessed. This approach allows us to demonstrate the technology's operational viability and efficiency in authentic marine environments. Providing robust data to validate our design and commercial claims, accelerating the technologies time to market.
Key features of the TIDEGEN system include:
* High Modularity: Unlike typical off-the-shelf generators, our modules are uniquely designed for assembly line production. Easily transported for plug&play assembly on-site
* Scalability & Redundancy: The technology is stackable. Multiple units can be stacked together enhancing power output and improving system reliability
* Fault Tolerance: Faulty modules can be isolated to maintain continuous power generation and enable in-situ replacement. Minimising downtime and reducing operational and maintenance (O&M) costs
* Sustainability: The modular design facilitates the repair and reuse of components, aligning with circular economy principles
* Simplified Marinisation: Improves system efficiency and thermal performance. Simplifies installation verses standard seal and turbine nacelle configurations
The TIDEGEN project will advance CGEN Engineering's technology readiness level from a TRL of 5 to 7\. Demonstrating a potential reduction in LCoE of up to 20% compared to current standards. Accelerating time to market for tidal energy devices and improving the mix of renewable energy within the UK. Completion of the TIDEGEN project will advance tidal energy technology beyond the state of the art. Offering a robust, scalable, and economically viable solution that meets the needs of both current and future market demands. This project will foster confidence in CGEN Engineering's technology to further demonstrate with existing partners within the tidal energy sector, and support the broader goal of increasing the tidal energy capacity in the UK and EU to meet 2030 renewable energy targets.
* Reducing the tidal sector Levelised Cost of Energy (LCoE)
* Enhancing and de-risking system scalability
* Improving system survivability and maintenance
* Reducing system costs
* Creating an invaluable supply chain
TIDEGEN further improves on technology originally developed within the University of Edinburgh. Over the course of 12 months, a modular generator, control system and power electronics will be designed for tidal energy. Utilising Swansea's META tidal test site, the project will deploy the innovative generator system integrated within a tidal turbine system to undergo rigorous submarine testing. In parallel, manufacturing, cost and commercial pathways will be assessed. This approach allows us to demonstrate the technology's operational viability and efficiency in authentic marine environments. Providing robust data to validate our design and commercial claims, accelerating the technologies time to market.
Key features of the TIDEGEN system include:
* High Modularity: Unlike typical off-the-shelf generators, our modules are uniquely designed for assembly line production. Easily transported for plug&play assembly on-site
* Scalability & Redundancy: The technology is stackable. Multiple units can be stacked together enhancing power output and improving system reliability
* Fault Tolerance: Faulty modules can be isolated to maintain continuous power generation and enable in-situ replacement. Minimising downtime and reducing operational and maintenance (O&M) costs
* Sustainability: The modular design facilitates the repair and reuse of components, aligning with circular economy principles
* Simplified Marinisation: Improves system efficiency and thermal performance. Simplifies installation verses standard seal and turbine nacelle configurations
The TIDEGEN project will advance CGEN Engineering's technology readiness level from a TRL of 5 to 7\. Demonstrating a potential reduction in LCoE of up to 20% compared to current standards. Accelerating time to market for tidal energy devices and improving the mix of renewable energy within the UK. Completion of the TIDEGEN project will advance tidal energy technology beyond the state of the art. Offering a robust, scalable, and economically viable solution that meets the needs of both current and future market demands. This project will foster confidence in CGEN Engineering's technology to further demonstrate with existing partners within the tidal energy sector, and support the broader goal of increasing the tidal energy capacity in the UK and EU to meet 2030 renewable energy targets.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| CGEN ENGINEERING LTD | £211,840 | £ 211,840 |
Participant |
||
| SWANSEA UNIVERSITY | £87,992 | £ 87,992 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Joseph Burchell (Project Manager) |