The Switch to deliver generator for AR1500 tidal turbine

The Switch has received an order from Atlantis Resources to deliver a medium-speed generator that will be used for Lockheed Martin’s AR1500 turbine drive train.

During March 2015, Atlantis confirmed an order with The Switch for an integrated permanent magnet (PM) medium-speed generator that resulted from a pre-design project carried out in 2014.

The Switch generator will be used in AR1500 tidal turbine that is scheduled for delivery to the MeyGen project in Q1 2016.

The Switch was also included in designing of the gearbox and generator mating interface.

Drew Blaxland, ARL Chief Technology Officer, said: “By integrating the generator and gearbox as a pre-tested module, we are reducing assembly risk, reducing cost and improving reliability through the reduction in the number of bearings and assembly stages required prior to full commissioning of the nacelle.”

The AR1500 is an active pitch, full yaw, horizontal axis tidal turbine with a rated power output of 1.5 megawatts achieved at flow rates of 3 m/s.

MeyGen, the company leading the project and largely owned by Atlantis, plans to deliver a fully operational renewable energy plant powered by the tide, starting with 6 MW in Phase 1a in 2016, and growing to almost 400 MW.

This amount is the equivalent of generating electricity to power 400,000 Scottish homes.

The Switch, a Yaskawa company, is a drive train technology manufacturer based in Finland. The main focus areas are wind, marine and special industrial solutions.

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Images: Atlantis Resources/The Switch