Video: Yourbrook restarts tidal trials off British Columbia

Yourbrook tidal prototype operating off Haida Gwaii (Video: Yourbrook Energy Systems)

Yourbrook Energy Systems has deployed its tidal energy prototype for another set of trials off Haida Gwaii in Canadian Province of British Columbia.

The deployment follows last year’s preliminary tests to check the function of the tidal prototype, which prompted Yourbrook to perform modifications on blade design and computer system for the device.

The tests also revealed the need to add flotation to its pontoons, and having completed all the necessary modifications, Yourbrook redeployed the device in Juskatla Narrows in June 2017.

Clyde Greenough, Chief Operations Officer at Yourbrook, said: “The prototype is now in Juskatla Narrows and is functioning exceptionally well and giving us the data from the tidal stream that will further proof of concept.”

With its tidal system based on pump storage, Yourbrook aims to minimize the consumption of diesel-powered electricity, on which the residents of northern Haida Gwaii currently rely.

The project has so far been financed by the developer, and the Canadian National Research Council’s IRAP program.