Japan: SKWID Harnesses the Power of Both the Wind and the Tide
May 27th, 2013If you’re like me, you’re going to wonder how the vertical power generation axis is going to handle the shear stress caused by the rest of the unit bobbing around on the surface.
See the short .pdf on MODEC’s site:
Stable performance in an unstable sea.
The float structure supports the power generation assembly via a set of rubber mounts like a gimbal to isolate the power generation assembly from the wave motion.
Cool.
Via: CBS:
The Savonius Keel & Wind Turbine Darrieus (SKWID) power generation system being developed by Mitsui Ocean Development & Engineering Company (MODEC) is a floating system that shares a vertical floating axis. On the company’s website, MODEC says the concept will generate double or more power from the same sea surface area as a conventional wind turbine.
According to Japan’s NHK News, the wind turbine will be 47 meters above sea level and the tidal turbine will have a diameter of 15 meters. The two sections will be connected by a power generator, the Japanese news agency reports.
NHK News sources say that the turbine will be tested in the fall. Once operational, the turbine could generate enough energy to power about 300 households, the news agency reports.
Research Credit: almaverdad2
