Swivel solution for tidal turbine

The firm was selected to supply the custom designed Moog Focal swivel solution for the SR2000, a larger commercial scale turbine, developed by Orkney based tidal energy pioneer, Scotrenewables Tidal Power (SRTP).

“Marine renewable energy is a key strategic focus of the MacArtney Group and we are proud to contribute to the sweeping development of technology taking place at the EMEC in these years” said Jens Henrik Gadeberg, renewable energy sales manager, MacArtney.

SRTP’s innovative floating tidal energy converter the Scotrenewables Tidal Turbine (SRTT) is a floating hydrokinetic tidal stream system designed for ease of installation, operations and maintenance, coupled with efficiency, robustness and survivability in harsh offshore environments.

Nine different scale models and a 250 kW prototype known as the SR250, have been tested extensively over the past 10 years – both offshore and in a laboratory environment.

The SR2000 builds on the success of SR250. It’s a larger commercial scale turbine more suited for tidal array deployment. This next generation turbine will reach a rated power of 2MW, making it one of the most powerful tidal turbines in the world.

The main structure of the SR2000 comprises a floating cylindrical tube to which dual horizontal axis rotors are attached on retractable arms. The rotors extract the kinetic energy of the tidal flow, which is converted to electricity though a power take-off system for export to shore.

SRTP has developed an innovative and unique single point catenary mooring system featuring a patented mooring turret for the new turbine. At the heart of this turret and comprising a key element in the overall SR2000 system, sits a custom designed Moog Focal swivel supplied by MacArtney. The swivel allows the SR2000 to self-orientate in the tidal flow, while signal transfer and electricity flow to the onshore grid, is handled using a single marine export cable.

Once constructed, the SR2000 will undergo an intensive four-year testing programme at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

The MacArtney Group is a global supplier of underwater technology systems to offshore operators, surveyors, the renewable energy sector, ocean science institutes and navies globally.

By Anne-Marie Causer