Please select your home edition
Edition
Zhik 2024 December

Totally Tidal Energy

by Jeni Bone on 12 May 2009
The trials have proven the technology is world-leading and interest is flowing in from around the world. MIAA
An Australian company has managed to harness the power of the waves, generating record amounts of power and opening up avenues of clean, green energy that are attracting interest from around the world.

The intriguing turbines and paraphernalia of Tidal Energy has been a familiar sight on Gold Coast waterways, trialing the company’s renewable energy water technology. In fact, for the past decade, the team has been collecting data and testing and honing its patented creations in an effort to produce 'clean, green energy from moving water'.

Aaron Davidson, Co-founder and Director of Tidal Energy, believes that the company’s turbine and patented Venturi concept, created by founders Aaron Davidson and Craig Hill, is on the brink of international exposure and success, with interest from regions as diverse as Pakistan, Bosnia, Canada and at home in Queensland.

In October 2003, Tidal Energy Pty Ltd researchers Davidson and Hill achieved the world record result of the highest efficiency 3.84 times (compared to an open turbine in free stream) ever achieved from a water current turbine, eclipsing the former record of 3.25 times set by Grumman Aero Space engineers in 1978.

Tidal Energy was recently awarded patent status for its Davidson-Hill model.

Tidal Energy attributes a large part of its success to its industry and government partnerships, such as with Griffith University Centre for Coastal Management, Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government.

For more than a decade, the team of engineers and scientists has been working on developing different versions of the turbine. The advantages of this type of energy generation are that it’s clean, renewable, portable and these days, accumulates carbon credits. The only thing it requires to operate is an area of tidal or river flow.

Bill Meywes, Chairman of Tidal Energy, explains that while wave and wind power are nothing new, Tidal Energy has developed a truly unique system, known as ‘venturi’, that creates incredible amounts of energy.

In essence, a venturi is a constriction or narrowing of flow in a channel or pipe. This constriction causes a relative velocity increase and pressure drop as flow speeds up through the constriction.

'There’s nothing new about turbine technology, but it’s the venturi system around it that increases the power it generates.'



Using a smaller turbine for strong flow and larger unit for slower flow, Tidal Energy is looking at helping companies and communities reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

In areas of good tidal flow, the energy can be harnessed to generate power.

'For example, on South Stradbroke Island there is an Aboriginal community that could use tidal technology,' says Meywes.

Isolated from the mainland, South Stradbroke Island just off the Gold Coast is dependent upon diesel generation for electricity supplies and for sanitation. A trial DHV Turbine has been proposed that would supply the island with a clean green renewable energy source.

'It would halve the cost to communities heavily reliant on diesel. Along the East Coast Current you could put an array of turbines, producing gigawatts of electricity in times of peak demand.

'There are so many solutions and applications. An oil tanker out to sea, sitting at anchor, could use our system to power itself instead of expensive, polluting fuel,' adds Meywes. 'Another advantage is that it’s cheaper than wind or solar or any other form of energy that we’re aware of.'

Meywes, a lawyer by training and with a background in finance and sales, was appointed just over a year ago to guide the fledgling company in the optimal direction to attain its full potential.

'As with many companies, there have been a few false starts with interested parties seeking to be involved, but it’s my role to ensure that now the technological model is perfected and we’re ready to go, everything is done properly – I’s dotted and T’s crossed.'

Tidal Energy is currently working with the Queensland government, power companies and several countries interested in the concept. Says Meywes: 'The state government’s ‘clean energy’ department is providing good support for us, arranging potential introductions and helping us navigate the hurdles of the different levels of government.'

Tidal Energy has developed a standardized working model that people willing to trial in their own environments can invest in and see for themselves. The demonstration unit can be used to prove the concept. Step one is to buy the turbine for around AUD$30,000. The next step is Tidal Energy will send an engineer to assess requirements and design a specific system to meet requirements.

'The academic results are one thing, but working in situ is more convincing,' says Meywes. 'People need to touch, feel and see it in action to prove it to themselves. Our trial turbine fits into container. We can send it to people to conduct their further testing and then, when they’re satisfied, they order.'

On its side are reams of credible third party endorsements. 'We are ready to go. Testing stages have been passed and verified by leading third parties, including Griffith University.'

'We are world leaders in this technology,' continues Meywes, justifiably proud, 'Independent sources show that. There are other companies, including recent trials in the UK from other companies with massive assistance from the government. Theirs mostly consists of ‘two large props on a stick’. It’s much more expensive and to my mind, less effective. But they have the benefit of tens of millions of pounds Sterling. With our system and our results, we would literally blow them out of the water!'



And why the Gold Coast? 'That just happens to be where we all live! We’re boating enthusiasts and love the water. These days, there’s no such thing as borders. You can do business as easily from home as from any of the major cities. Technology is the key.'

As for when we can expect to see a roll out of Tidal Energy technology, Meywes is optimistic. 'We are on the verge of commercialization. The first order could come from the Australian power company or Canadian syndicate, from Bosnia or Pakistan. It could come from any or all of these.'



More at http://tidalenergy.net.au/

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350North Sails Loft 57 PodcastVaikobi 2024 December

Related Articles

The Ocean's Logbook amplifies global voices
A digital survey that looks beyond cold statistics to capture real stories A powerful new campaign designed to capture the world's emotional connection to the ocean is being launched today ahead of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France in June.
Posted on 27 May
SP80 kiteboat reaches a top speed of over 58 knots
100 km/h barrier is smashed in Leucate The SP80 kiteboat has reached a top speed of over 58 knots, or 108 km/h. This new personal best makes SP80 the second fastest sailboat ever recorded, behind Vestas Sailrocket II and its 68.01-knot top speed.
Posted on 27 May
Italian SailGP Team acquired by investors
The consortium includes Hollywood royalty, Anne Hathaway SailGP has today announced that the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, has officially been acquired by a consortium of accomplished investors and sports industry leaders, including Hollywood royalty, Anne Hathaway.
Posted on 27 May
Armstrong Foils: On tour - Home of Armstrong II
Join America's Cup champion, Blair Tuke and Armstrong team riders on the tour of NZ's Far North Join three times America's Cup champion, Blair Tuke and Armstrong team riders Olivia Jenkins, Naumi Eychenne, Bowien van der Linden, Cash Berzolla, and Reo Stevens, on the Home of Armstrong Tour II, as they explore NZ's Far North.
Posted on 27 May
America's Cup entries open on Sunday
A Cup in turmoil - has Grant Dalton dodged a bullet with the new Cup organisation? America's Cup gets underway in Rome with Round 2 of the official welcoming ceremonies on Wednesday in Naples. Emirates Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton apprears to have dodged a bullet with the formation of of new AC organising body.
Posted on 26 May
Italian PM welcomes America's Cup in Rome
Prime Minister Meloni set out a bold vision for the regeneration planned around AC38 The magnificent setting of the Casino del Bel Respiro, commissioned by Pope Innocent X in 1644, in the grounds of Villa Pamphilj, was the outstanding and historic setting for the formal presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
Posted on 26 May
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta preview
Sørvind to debut at this edition, in Sardinia The Mediterranean superyacht racing season will kick off on 27th May with the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, organised annually by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda since 2008 and supported by title sponsor Giorgio Armani since 2022.
Posted on 26 May
Winning Sails for Every Sailor & Every Program
Beer cans or the big leagues, North Sails perform From one design sails to custom inventories, trust the experts at North Sails to elevate your performance.
Posted on 25 May
72nd Melbourne to Apollo Bay Race overall
MRV stifles Ambition to take line honours and overall win Margaret Rintoul V (MRV), skippered by Damien King from the Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC), has sailed a fast and furious race to win the 72nd Melbourne to Apollo Bay Race (M2AB).
Posted on 25 May
The link between two great Australian sports
A unique connection between brute strength and beauty James Joseph Giltinan was one of Australia's great entrepreneurs of the early 1900s, and the man most responsible for creating a unique link between one of the most confrontational football codes in the world and the beauty of sailing.
Posted on 25 May