Bi-radial turbine for wave project enters final assembly stage

The bi-radial turbine to be used for the EU-funded wave energy cost reduction project dubbed OPERA has entered the final assembly stage.

Following the completion of the assembly process, the bi-radial turbine will head for power take-off (PTO) dry-testing at the turbo machinery laboratory in IST.

The turbine is supplied by Kymaner, part of 12-member consortium participating in the Open Sea Wave Operating Experience to Reduce Energy Cost (OPERA) project.

The bi-radial turbine-generator set aims to increase oscillating water column (OWC) annual mean efficiency by 50% and improve the reliability of the PTO in comparison with the most frequently used options.

One of the key components of this novel turbine is the High Speed Safety Valve (HSSV), integrated in the structure and capable of performing the dual function of latching control and safety, protecting the turbine from being damaged by over speeding, in case of stormy conditions at sea, according to OPERA project website.

After the dry PTO testing, the open sea validation of the Kymaner’s bi-radial turbine will be conducted in the Mutriku wave power plant, and later this year at the Biscay Marine Energy Platform (Bimep), both located in the Spanish Basque Country.

As reported earlier, Marmok-A5 device – a point absorber OWC wave energy converter developed by the Oceantec Energías Marinas, was installed at Bimep as part of the OPERA project.

The device generates power when the waves cause water column to rise and fall, compressing and decompressing the air above, which spins the turbines to drive an electricity generator.

Project OPERA aims to develop a technology that would reduce the cost of operating wave energy devices at sea for 50%, accelerate the development of international standards and reduce uncertainties and technological risks.