University of Edinburgh and Michelin researchers have demonstrated that shape-shifting rubber turbine blades match the energy output of conventional pitch-control systems while cutting fatigue-causing load fluctuations by up to 29 percent, potentially lowering the cost of tidal power generation.
Rubber Turbine Blades Reduce Load Swings By A Third In Tidal Streams
In short
Collaborative research between the University of Edinburgh and Michelin revealed that flexible rubber turbine blades adapt to dynamic underwater currents. These shape-shifting blades successfully match the power production achieved by traditional pitch-control systems. Crucially, the technology curbed severe fatigue-inducing load swings by up to 29 percent during operation. Minimizing these structural stresses is expected to lower the total levelized cost of producing tidal stream power.
Key points
- Reducing mechanical stress on tidal turbines can successfully lower the overall cost of m…: Reducing mechanical stress on tidal turbines can successfully lower the overall cost of marine energy generation.
- Rubber turbine blades provide equal energy generation without relying exclusively on trad…: Rubber turbine blades provide equal energy generation without relying exclusively on traditional pitch-control mechanical systems.
- Flexible materials offer a durable alternative for managing heavy load swings in demandin…: Flexible materials offer a durable alternative for managing heavy load swings in demanding tidal stream environments.