Compact tidal generator to reduce 'flowing water electricity' production cost

Irani SenJun 15 2006

Here is a simple but amazing transformation of a motor into a generator. Dr Steve Turnock and Dr Suleiman Abu-Sharkh from the University of Southampton used the flow of water to turn a propeller of a motor to generate electricity. They have used an electric motor that drives an underwater vehicle using electricity.

physical sciences research council

The compact tidal generator they built is simple, which makes it unique. According to Turnock, this design is a compact one that does away with many of the moving parts generally used in current marine turbines. He says,

It's a new take on tidal energy generation.

The turbine blades of the Southampton generator is so designed to turn well regardless of which way the water flows past them! To add to the generator's efficiency, the blades are placed in a specially shaped housing to help channel the water smoothly through the turbine. The Southampton design also reduces the on-site construction costs by wrapping everything in a single package that can be prefabricated.

Via: Science Daily

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