Summary
"WATEC project deals with the design, fabrication, ""on-field"" testing and commercialization of an innovative hydro-turbine able to convert into electricity the kinetic and potential energy of waves and the kinetic energy of tidal streams.
The technology works in three ways:
1- it converts the kinetic energy of tidal streams by applying an undershoot waterwheel principle utilising a flow diverter to accelerate and redirect flow under the rotor;
2- this deflector also redirects waves onto the upper platform where an overtopping principle converts wave potential energy as flow drains past the side of the rotor;
3- a similar approach and flow path is used to capture wave kinetic energy.
Thanks to the simultaneous exploitation of both potential and kinetic waves and kinetic tidal hydro-energy in a compact plant and to the technology design optimization, WATEC leads to a industry leading LCOE of 71 €/MWh, much lower than the competing solution for low-head hydropower conversion (100÷270 €/kWh ).
The HP plant floating structure is semi-submersible utilising a taut mooring principle and anchor cable shock absorbers to minimise wave impact forces. This approach also eliminates the need for:
-) voltage limiting ‘wet mate’ inductive couplings;
-) expensive subsea interventions for maintenance and defouling;
-) expensive subsea construction techniques.
The technology has a low environmental impact (no piling for the deployment of the deadweight anchors and limited seabed trenching are required), an easy installation, a low visual impact in comparison to industry alternatives (it protrudes 10 meters above water level), a full material recovery during the decommissioning process.
By WATEC, low-head hydropower sector will be revolutionized as it will be possible to apply a technology able to make competitive damless HP, thus dramatically enlarging the HP application potentialities.
"
The technology works in three ways:
1- it converts the kinetic energy of tidal streams by applying an undershoot waterwheel principle utilising a flow diverter to accelerate and redirect flow under the rotor;
2- this deflector also redirects waves onto the upper platform where an overtopping principle converts wave potential energy as flow drains past the side of the rotor;
3- a similar approach and flow path is used to capture wave kinetic energy.
Thanks to the simultaneous exploitation of both potential and kinetic waves and kinetic tidal hydro-energy in a compact plant and to the technology design optimization, WATEC leads to a industry leading LCOE of 71 €/MWh, much lower than the competing solution for low-head hydropower conversion (100÷270 €/kWh ).
The HP plant floating structure is semi-submersible utilising a taut mooring principle and anchor cable shock absorbers to minimise wave impact forces. This approach also eliminates the need for:
-) voltage limiting ‘wet mate’ inductive couplings;
-) expensive subsea interventions for maintenance and defouling;
-) expensive subsea construction techniques.
The technology has a low environmental impact (no piling for the deployment of the deadweight anchors and limited seabed trenching are required), an easy installation, a low visual impact in comparison to industry alternatives (it protrudes 10 meters above water level), a full material recovery during the decommissioning process.
By WATEC, low-head hydropower sector will be revolutionized as it will be possible to apply a technology able to make competitive damless HP, thus dramatically enlarging the HP application potentialities.
"
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More information & hyperlinks
| Web resources: | https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/773606 |
| Start date: | 01-05-2017 |
| End date: | 30-09-2017 |
| Total budget - Public funding: | 71 429,00 Euro - 50 000,00 Euro |
Cordis data
Original description
"WATEC project deals with the design, fabrication, ""on-field"" testing and commercialization of an innovative hydro-turbine able to convert into electricity the kinetic and potential energy of waves and the kinetic energy of tidal streams.The technology works in three ways:
1- it converts the kinetic energy of tidal streams by applying an undershoot waterwheel principle utilising a flow diverter to accelerate and redirect flow under the rotor;
2- this deflector also redirects waves onto the upper platform where an overtopping principle converts wave potential energy as flow drains past the side of the rotor;
3- a similar approach and flow path is used to capture wave kinetic energy.
Thanks to the simultaneous exploitation of both potential and kinetic waves and kinetic tidal hydro-energy in a compact plant and to the technology design optimization, WATEC leads to a industry leading LCOE of 71 €/MWh, much lower than the competing solution for low-head hydropower conversion (100÷270 €/kWh ).
The HP plant floating structure is semi-submersible utilising a taut mooring principle and anchor cable shock absorbers to minimise wave impact forces. This approach also eliminates the need for:
-) voltage limiting ‘wet mate’ inductive couplings;
-) expensive subsea interventions for maintenance and defouling;
-) expensive subsea construction techniques.
The technology has a low environmental impact (no piling for the deployment of the deadweight anchors and limited seabed trenching are required), an easy installation, a low visual impact in comparison to industry alternatives (it protrudes 10 meters above water level), a full material recovery during the decommissioning process.
By WATEC, low-head hydropower sector will be revolutionized as it will be possible to apply a technology able to make competitive damless HP, thus dramatically enlarging the HP application potentialities.
"
Status
CLOSEDCall topic
SMEInst-09-2016-2017Update Date
26-10-2022
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H2020-EU.2.1.1. INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
