Emission-Free Electricity from the World s Rivers and Seas

Transcription

1 Emission-Free Electricity from the World s Rivers and Seas Presentation for the: Second Annual Cobscook Bay Conference Renewable Energy in Maine Communities The Boat School on Deep Cove Road, Eastport August 23, 2008

2 Overview (A Reminder in Case You Forgot!) Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) is a developer of tidal energy technology and tidal energy projects A Delaware LLC founded in 2004, ORPC is a New England based developer of technology and projects that convert tidal, river and deep water ocean currents into emission-free electricity. ORPC Maine headquarters in Portland with a project office in Eastport. Proprietary ocean current generation (OCGen ) technology. Successful demonstration of the technical feasibility of the core component of OCGen technology, the Turbine-Generator Unit (TGU), in April Project sites in three of the world s most promising tidal energy resources (Western Passage and Cobscook Bay, ME and Cook Inlet, AK). Planning a tidal and a river deployment of the commercial design of the TGU in the summer and fall of 2009 (pending funding). Page 1

3 Why Maine? The State of Maine offers many advantages to tidal energy development and commercialization. Contributing Factors Maine has world class tidal resources that are as robust as any in the U.S. total potential for tidal energy could be in the hundreds of megawatts Maine has a long history and deep traditions in the maritime industries such as shipbuilding, fishing and marine services skills that are essential to the tidal energy industry. Maine is committed to sustainable development and renewable energy and is a quality of life state and is very receptive to tidal energy development Maine has, or is developing, the manufacturing and research infrastructure needed by the tidal energy industry. Maine is in close proximity to the major markets for renewable energy. Page 2

4 Opportunities & Challenges Opportunities Abundant Supply of Emission-Free Electricity Creation of a World Class Tidal Energy Cluster Long Term and Sustainable Economic Development Challenges Concerns over Impacts to Marine Environment and Existing Uses Electricity Transmission Infrastructure FERC Licensing Process Installed Peak Capacity (2015 est.) Annual Environmental Benefit Households 100 MW 36,000 Estimated CO 2 Reduction 145,000 tons (est. 25,000 autos) Page 3

5 Making Tidal Energy a Reality in Maine ORPC successfully completed a prototype TGU demonstration project at its Cobscook Bay and Western Passage tidal energy sites in Eastport. ORPC generated electricity from tidal currents that come from the Bay of Fundy. The TGU self-started at current speeds under 2 knots, generated continuous electricity and did not stop generating until current speeds fell below 1 knot. TGU Deployment TGU at the Moorings Page 4

6 Making Tidal Energy a Reality in Maine (Cont.) The peak electrical output, when adjusted for a 6-knot current, scales to approximately 22 kilowatts (within the expected range of kilowatts). At the peak of construction, ORPC employed more than 30 local people. Of the $1.3 million spent, more than half was spent in Maine with a substantial amount spent in Washington County. Page 5

7 Current Activity Collaboration between ORPC and Maine ORPC is working with Maine composite companies (Harbor Technologies, US Windblade, Custom Composite Technologies), UMaine Orono, MMA, GMRI and Eastport Port Authority in creating a tidal energy cluster in Maine. ORPC has also embarked on a turbine optimization program, in conjunction with University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, University of Maine Orno and Maine Maritime Academy, to optimize the design of the Advance Design Cross-Flow (ADCF) turbine by the end of Additional Development The turbine enhancements are currently being combined with lessons learned from the prototype demonstration project and on-going testing is being conducted in Eastport. Additionally, the power electronics system is under development, composite materials are being incorporated into the turbine and the TGU frame is almost complete. Page 6

8 Final Steps Towards Commercialization Commercialization A commercial scale TGU will be procured, fabricated, assembled, and tested at a tidal site (Western Passage) and a river site (TBD). Western Passage The commercial design TGU will generate grid-compatible power by the end of 2009 through extensive testing in a tidal and river deployment in Maine in the summer and fall of After successful testing of the commercial TGU design, the TGU will be incorporated into the OCGen module for deployment in large-scale tidal energy projects. The first commercial OCGen Tidal Project (5 to 10 MW) is planned for Page 7

9 Tidal TGU Approximately 78 Feet Approx. 9 Feet ORPC Proprietary Permanent Magnet Underwater Generator ORPC Proprietary Advanced Cross Flow (ADCF) Turbines Approx. 12 Feet Incoming (Flood) Current Outgoing (Ebb) Current Front/Back Elevation TGU Modular Structural Frame Side Elevation Key Design Features (Patent Applications Filed) Generating capacity of approximately 250 kilowatts in a 6 knot current. Unique proprietary turbine rotates in one direction only, regardless of current flow direction. Two sets of proprietary ADCF turbines drive a single proprietary underwater permanent magnet generator on a common shaft direct drive arrangement with no gears (one moving part). Page 8

10 Tidal TGU (Cont.) Key Design Features (Patent Applications Filed) - Continued OCGen TGU can be shop assembled and shipped to project sites. TGU are stacked (horizontally or vertically) and incorporated into OCGen modules that contain the ballast/buoyancy tanks and power electronics/control system (plug & play). Assembled OCGen modules are deployed in arrays comprised of tens to hundreds of modules. OCGen modules are held into position underwater using a deep sea mooring system. A power and control cable connects each OCGen module to an underwater transmission line that interconnects with an on-shore substation. OCGen module operations are monitored and controlled from on-shore computers. OCGen modules are brought to the water surface for inspection and maintenance. Page 9

11 Tidal OCGen Module Configurations 1 MW Peak Generating Capacity in a 6-Knot Current Horizontal (2x2) Configuration Vertical (4x1) Configuration Page 10

12 Tidal Current Deployment Concept Front Elevation Water Surface 4 ~ TGU (4X1) Tidal OCGen Module 40 Ft. Min. Typical Clearance Mooring Harness Mooring Lines Bottom Chain Passive Depth Control System Power Cable Anchor Page 11

13 Tidal Current Deployment Concept Side Elevation Water Surface 4 ~ TGU (4X1) Tidal OCGen Module 40 Ft. Min. Typical Clearance Incoming (Flood) Tide Outgoing (Ebb) Tide Mooring Harness Mooring Line Anchor Chain Bottom Passive Depth Control Power Cable to Underwater Transmission Line (May be Incorporated into Mooring Line) Page 12

14 Tidal Deployment Vertical (4x1) Configuration Horizontal (2x2) Configuration Page 13

15 Emission-Free Electricity from the World s Rivers and Seas Page 14