Oxford has a new THAWT on underwater turbines
By Susan Wilson
The University of Oxford has found a way to improve underwater turbines so that they are cheaper to manufacture, require less maintenance and produce more energy. A tri-fecta of positive improvements making tidal power a better choice for island populations and coastal cities.
THAWT stands for Transverse Horizontal Axis Water Turbine (THAWT). Unlike other underwater turbines that work perpendicular to the current like a wind turbine, THAWT has been designed to work by capturing the largest amount of tidal power by lying parallel to the current so that it covers the greatest amount of area. Since THAWTs are bi-directional, they capture energy as the tide goes in and out.
Creating an underwater turbine system that is capable of producing significant quantities of power can be difficult. Building an underwater power system out of regular underwater turbines means connecting 10 to 100 of the units to get any large scale production. The number of units in any area is limited by the size of the individual turbines and the turbine depth requirements.
THAWTS are infinitely scalable because depth is not an issue. Another unit can simply be attached to the first turbine like a link in a chain. These turbines capture the most area of current with fewer units to generate the same or more power.
Fewer turbine foundations have to be sunk when using a THAWT configuration which saves on time, labor, and seabed clutter. THAWTS are less mechanically complex than other underwater turbines which make them cheaper to build, easier to maintain and less costly to operate.
Unlike mechanisms that generate electricity from waves or the wind at sea, these electricity generators are underwater and out of sight. Less visual clutter or floating obstacles to avoid.
All in all, Oxford’s new THAWT turbines are a better investment for seashore communities and energy companies than other underwater turbines.
Fewer turbines are needed with less up front cost and ongoing hassle. What’s not to like?
pictures via Inhabitat
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on Thursday, September 11th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
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