Key Objectives of the Project

  • Provide electricity to replace 2 diesel generators .
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Reduce environmental impact of generating electricity – measure changes against baseline.
  • Demonstrate efficiency of the tidal turbine generator.
  • Demonstrate reliability of the tidal turbine generator.
  • Demonstrate power conditioning capabilities.
  • Demonstrate maintenance processes.
  • Study behaviour of sea mammals and fish in relation to operation of the turbine generator.
  • Demonstrate safety procedures.
  • Contribute to the educational experience of Pearson College students.
  • Demonstrate the ability to install the system in an extreme tidal environment.
  • Demonstrate the performance of the support structure during turbine operation.

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve - The Site of the Demonstration Project

Pearson College staff and students have acted as long-time volunteer wardens at Race Rocks and were influential in having the area protected as an Ecological Reserve in 1980. As the environmental steward of Race Rocks, the College is dedicated to protecting the marine ecosystems within the reserve and to increasing the awareness of students, visitors and the public about marine systems, ecological reserves and environmental issues. By transforming a decommissioned light station into a dynamic educational and research centre, Pearson College has been able to share the rich cultural and environmental history of Race Rocks with Canadians and the world. Race Rocks serves as an award-winning showcase of sustainable and innovative educational initiatives and emerging technologies. www.racerocks.com

Installation of Tidal Turbine Generator at Race Rocks

The Clean Current tidal turbine generator (TTG) was installed in about 20 metres of water near Race Rocks during the period July to September 2006. The hydraulic and electrical performance of the TTG were tested using an offline load bank for 2 months. After testing was completed on December 5, 2006, the TTG was connected to the control system that  feeds  electricity into the battery storage system at Race Rocks. Photos shown below document the final assembly and installation to the TTG.
Final Assembly

The Clean Current Service Vessel, Lena Marie - manufactured in Vancouver BC

Drilling and Post Installation

Laying Sub Sea Cable

Deployment of Tidal Turbine Generator

Update: June 2007

Clean Current’s testing at Race Rocks has validated its performance claims for the direct drive permanent magnet generator and the flow enhancement duct design. The tidal turbine generator has successfully extracted power in flows up 6.6 knots. The Company is disappointed with the performance of the water lubricated bearing system.

The tidal turbine generator was successfully extracted on May 24, 2007. The unit is being carefully inspected and will be refitted with a new bearing system. The same bearing system will be designed into the commercial scale unit. The retrofit will also include an improved augmenter duct design and an improved antifouling coating. All of the lessons learned at Race Rocks will be incorporated into the commercial scale design.

Major Technical Contributions to the Project by:

  • AMEC Americas Limited

  • AMEC Dynamic Structures Ltd.

  • Powertech Labs Inc.

  • XANTREX Technology Inc.

  • OceanWorks International

  • Robert Allan Ltd.

  • Triton Consultants Ltd.


 

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