Power Hub switch-on
EC-OG switched on its tidal power generator, the Subsea Power Hub at the European Marine Energy Centres (EMEC’s) Shapinsay Sound test site off Scotland for the first time in mid-April 2917. The ocean current energy conversion system was successfully installed and is now fully operational.
The vertical axis turbine unit is said to be currently performing in line with technical predictions. The next step is to leave the SPH running 100% autonomously with wireless data monitoring over the summer months.
This testing validates the technical capability of the system which has been designed to fulfil the need for cost-effective and reliable subsea power. This ground-breaking subsea hybrid drive system uses a combination of a marine energy convertor coupled directly to a lithium based energy storage system.
Robert Cowman, Engineering Director at EC-OG said: “Although the weather was not on our side, we were still able to successfully complete the installation and commence testing ahead of schedule. The system is performing very well and I’m pleased at how quickly the results are correlating with the theoretical basis for the test. Having a vertical axis turbine, means that the SPH is operating effectively in these unpredictable, sporadic flow conditions.
“Thanks go to the EC-OG team as well as those who have helped us at EMEC, Leask Marine, Castle View and Scottish Enterprise.”
By Jake Frith
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