Atlantis
Atlantis Resources Corporation is developing 3 series’ of turbine.
AS Series
The AS Series ducted horizontal axis turbines are available for deployment in rivers using mono-directional blades or tidal locations using bi-directional blades. They are rated at a flow velocity of 2.6m/s and available at rated powers of 100kW, 500kW and 1MW. The first device of the AS series, AS-400, has been designed through extensive computer modelling. Following tow tests in August 2008, it produced sum high efficiencies.
Key Advantages
- Turbine efficiency is optimised across flow velocity distributions using an ARCCOM control system and a unique “swept back” design for the blades.
- The AS-400 is recognised as the “world’s most efficient water-to-wire turbine”, verified by Black & Veatch.
Drawbacks
- Not available for the AS Series. Only information available on the device is from the developers who will not disclose any negativity concerning their developments.
AN Series
The first of the AN Series turbines, AN-400, is a shallow water turbine which has been through extensive testing and connected to the grid in Australia. The turbine’s aquafoils use the momentum in the flow of the water to drive the chain perpendicular to the flow. The device is robust and can withstand harsh tidal conditions including flows carrying large debris.
Key Advantages
- 6 years development period including a vast amount of testing to ensure turbine optimisation and high efficiencies.
- Tow testing carried out in July 2008 produced “impressive results” verified by Black and Veach.
Drawbacks
- Not available for the AN Series. Only information available on the device is from the developers who will not disclose any negativity concerning their developments.
AK Series
The AK series are commercial scale horizontal axis tidal current turbines intended for the harshest environments at sea. They incorporate 2 fixed pitch blades on either side of a supporting structure, one for tidal flow in each direction, eliminating the need for nacelle rotation and improving the turbine’s operational reliability. The devices are rated at flow velocities of 2.6m/s and power of 1MW or 2MW. This technology is not yet in operation, however, the deployment of the first of the AK series, AK-1000, is due for summer 2010.
Key Advantages
- Twin turbines reduce mechanical complexity.
- Improved operational reliability.
Drawbacks
- Not available for the AK Series. Only information available on the device is from the developers who will not disclose any negativity concerning their developments.
References:
Atlantis Resource Corporation (www.atlantisresourcescorporation.com)
