Fairbanks Nijhuis introduces bi-directional tidal turbine

Fairbanks Nijhuis, an engineering company, has developed a bi-directional tidal turbine equipped with blades that can rotate 180 degrees.

The turbine was originally developed for the Power consortium that aims to research the possibility of generating electricity using dynamic tidal power concept in China.

The company said the turbine is nearly 100 percent fish-friendly due to the propeller vane shape and the increased space between them.

It can be custom designed and manufactured for the most common operating situations, according to the company.

Bi-directional tidal turbines are capable of producing energy both from tidal ebbs and flows.

Fairbanks Nijhuis, a part of Pentair, has tested a 1:15 scaled model of the future planned bi-directional turbine with a propeller diameter of 8 m.

Raymond Meijnen, R&D engineer at Fairbanks Nijhuis, said: “The turbine blades can rotate 180 degrees and are able to rotate when the tide is reversing. Research conducted by Pro-Tide has proven that our technique can generate the maximum amount of energy.

“The tested scale model turbine is a 1:15 scaling of the future planned bi-directional turbine, that will generate 4000 kW and has a capacity of 340 m3/s with a propeller diameter of 8 meters.”

Meijnen added that the turbine can also be used for the tidal power plant that will possibly be built at the Brouwersdam in the province of Zeeland, the Netherlands.

The POWER consortium consists of Strukton Engineering, Arcadis Nederland, Nijhuis Pompen, Oranjewoud, IMARES, DNV KEMA Energy and Sustainability, TU Delft, and Hulsbergen Hydraulic innovation & Design H2iD.

Images: Nijhuis Fairbanks