Wave and Tidal Plants
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The wave and tidal plants off the coast make an extremely valuable contribution to the energy produced by the complex. The wave and tidal section of the SPP actually consists of four main sections:
1. Pelamis generators 2. Overtopping devices 3. Oscillating water columns 4. Underwater turbines These all play slightly different roles in the generation of electricity in the complex and all of them contribute different amounts at different times. |
Pelamis Generators
There are a number of newly designed Pelamis generators operating off the coast of the complex. Though not represented on the concept art they are vital in generating electricity directly from the waves. They furthest from the SPP, on the far side behind the offshore wind farm, so that the waves are still at full strength when they move the generators up and down. This means that the electricity output is higher than it would otherwise be. The Pelamis generators make a significant contribution to the total energy generated by the waves.
For more information about new Pelamis generators, visit: www.pelamiswave.com
Overtopping Devices
There are a number of overtopping devices off the coast which work when they are filled with water, which is gradually released downward through a turbine at their base. This means that the overtopping devices are better for use at off peak times than the others, due to the fact that the turbine can be closed off and water released through at different times. The overtopping devices are closer to the coast than the Pelamis generators or wind farm but are still in quite deep water. They are connected to transformers back on land at the complex by underwater cables.
Oscillating Water Columns
Located onshore but right at the edge of the complex where it has direct access to the waves from the sea. There are three next to each other along the coast, but for the purposes of the concept art only one is pictured. These devices are located almost right next to the wave and tidal base, meaning there are direct connections to the transformers found around the area so no strong undersea cables are required. The oscillating water column generators make quite a significant input to the total wave electricity, but it is vital for them to be facing directly into the prevailing wind for maximum electricity generation, so there are a limited number along the curved coastal section. Plus, on days when it is calmer, there is far less electricity generated, making them very dependant on the climate.
Underwater Turbine System
The Underwater turbine system makes use of the tides as opposed to the waves, which means they are far more reliable, able to generate electricity whenever water flows through them. This means that their total average annual electricity generation is higher than that of the wind power plants. The underwater turbines are positioned out from the coast in parallel with the wind turbines in the offshore wind farm and both these sections make extremely valuable contributions to the total electricity generated. Tidal systems in particular can be relied upon and the amount of electricity they generate predicted very easily. They are connected back to the main system by large undersea cables.
There is also a main base by which all the different wave and tidal energy generation systems are carefully monitored, and also a smaller secondary base alongside the Oscillating Water Columns to monitor their electricity production. It is also the job of the Tidal and Wave base to maintain communications with the business centre so as to know which of the electricity generation methods need to be active at any one time. Because such a lot of this electricity will go straight into the national grid there are also transformers located around this section which have connections to the various power systems.
There are a number of newly designed Pelamis generators operating off the coast of the complex. Though not represented on the concept art they are vital in generating electricity directly from the waves. They furthest from the SPP, on the far side behind the offshore wind farm, so that the waves are still at full strength when they move the generators up and down. This means that the electricity output is higher than it would otherwise be. The Pelamis generators make a significant contribution to the total energy generated by the waves.
For more information about new Pelamis generators, visit: www.pelamiswave.com
Overtopping Devices
There are a number of overtopping devices off the coast which work when they are filled with water, which is gradually released downward through a turbine at their base. This means that the overtopping devices are better for use at off peak times than the others, due to the fact that the turbine can be closed off and water released through at different times. The overtopping devices are closer to the coast than the Pelamis generators or wind farm but are still in quite deep water. They are connected to transformers back on land at the complex by underwater cables.
Oscillating Water Columns
Located onshore but right at the edge of the complex where it has direct access to the waves from the sea. There are three next to each other along the coast, but for the purposes of the concept art only one is pictured. These devices are located almost right next to the wave and tidal base, meaning there are direct connections to the transformers found around the area so no strong undersea cables are required. The oscillating water column generators make quite a significant input to the total wave electricity, but it is vital for them to be facing directly into the prevailing wind for maximum electricity generation, so there are a limited number along the curved coastal section. Plus, on days when it is calmer, there is far less electricity generated, making them very dependant on the climate.
Underwater Turbine System
The Underwater turbine system makes use of the tides as opposed to the waves, which means they are far more reliable, able to generate electricity whenever water flows through them. This means that their total average annual electricity generation is higher than that of the wind power plants. The underwater turbines are positioned out from the coast in parallel with the wind turbines in the offshore wind farm and both these sections make extremely valuable contributions to the total electricity generated. Tidal systems in particular can be relied upon and the amount of electricity they generate predicted very easily. They are connected back to the main system by large undersea cables.
There is also a main base by which all the different wave and tidal energy generation systems are carefully monitored, and also a smaller secondary base alongside the Oscillating Water Columns to monitor their electricity production. It is also the job of the Tidal and Wave base to maintain communications with the business centre so as to know which of the electricity generation methods need to be active at any one time. Because such a lot of this electricity will go straight into the national grid there are also transformers located around this section which have connections to the various power systems.