EBC Energy Seminar
EBC Energy Seminar Tidal Energy Technologies, Opportunities, Challenges and Testing in Maine Presented Presented by: by: Christopher Christopher R. R. Sauer, Sauer, P.E. P.E. President President & & CEO CEO Ocean Ocean Renewable Renewable Power Power Company Company 22 Portland Fish Pier, Suite Portland Fish Pier, Suite 307 307 Portland, ME 04101 Portland, ME 04101 www.oceanrenewablepower.com www.oceanrenewablepower.com
Emission-Free Electricity from the World’s Rivers and Seas
ORPC Overview Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) is a developer of tidal energy technology and tidal energy projects A Delaware LLC founded in 2004, ORPC is a New England based developer of technology and projects that convert tidal, river and deep water ocean currents into emission-free electricity. ORPC executive offices in Portland with satellite offices in Fall River, MA and Anchorage, AK and a project office in Eastport. Proprietary ocean current generation (OCGen™) technology. Successful demonstration of the technical feasibility of the core component of OCGen™ technology, the Turbine-Generator Unit (TGU), in April 2008. Project sites in three of the world’s most promising tidal energy resources (Western Passage and Cobscook Bay, ME and Cook Inlet, AK). Planning a tidal and a river deployment of the commercial design of the TGU in the summer and fall of 2009 (pending funding). Page 2
Tidal Energy Conversion Technologies Two Basic Tidal Energy Conversion Technologies: Tidal barrages (dams) are designed to operate like conventional hydropower facilities. In general, a tidal area such as a bay is impounded and the water flows through turbines that are installed at the inlet/outlet of the barrage. Tidal barrages require very large capital investments and take a long time to construct Primary Advantage: Proven technology with off-the-shelf equipment. Primary Disadvantage: Impounding tidal areas can cause significant negative environmental impacts. Tidal In-Stream Conversion (TISEC) devices, comprised of rotor blades in combination with a generator, are designed to capture the kinetic motion (speed) of tidal currents and convert it to electricity. TISEC devices are essentially a piece of equipment that is deployed in open waters where there is sufficient current flows to generate electricity without the need for a barrage. Primary Advantage: Holds the promise of being the most environmentally benign method of power generation. Primary Disadvantage: Technology is still in the development phase. Page 4
Types of TISEC Devices Two Basic Types of TISEC Devices Under Development: Devices Using Axial Flow Turbines (propeller blades or “windmills under water”) where the axis of the turbine is parallel to the direction of current flow.
Devices using Cross Flow Turbines (advanced “paddle wheels”) where the axis of the turbine is perpendicular to the direction of current flow.
Page 5
What Makes a Good Tidal Energy Site? Site Specifications Substantial tidal current velocity – preferably peaking at 6 knots (3 m/s) or greater for both the flood and ebb tides. Sufficient depth and width (bathymetry) to provide for deployment of multiple units and allow for adequate clearance above the bottom and below the surface. Reasonable proximity to the electricity grid (substation) or remote power system (in the case of islands or remote communities). Not a highly sensitive area with respect to endangered species or fishing. Community support for tidal power development.
Western Passage
Cobscook Bay Page 6
Regional Opportunities Tidal energy presents significant opportunities, including:
Abundant Supply of Emission-Free Electricity Annual Environmental Benefit
Installed Peak Capacity (2015 est.)
Households
Estimated CO2 Reduction
100 MW
36,000
145,000 tons (est. 25,000 autos)
Significant reduction in New England’s carbon footprint. 100% of New England’s future electrical needs could be supplied from tidal energy in combination with other renewable energy projects. Potential to create significant renewable energy industry with Maine as a major supplier of tidal energy to New England. Reinforce New England’s reputation as an “eco-friendly” region. Create opportunities for “eco-tourism” Page 8
Regional Opportunities (Continued) Tidal energy presents significant opportunities, including:
Creation of a World Class Ocean Energy Cluster Potential to become a world leader in ocean energy (tidal, wave and offshore wind) through the formation of a ocean energy cluster (OEC). OEC expertise could be exported around the world to areas with ocean energy potential. Potential to become the catalyst and anchor customer for the marine composites industry. Significant boost to the marine services industry and bolster the “working waterfront” initiative in Maine.
Page 19
Regional Opportunities (Continued) Tidal energy presents significant opportunities, including:
Long Term and Sustainable Economic Development Potential to be a new, significant and sustainable industry creating new jobs, tax revenues and other important economic activity. New jobs would be professional and service related with average salaries above current average salaries. Such fields include: • Management and administration • Engineers, scientists and researchers • Technicians and skilled labor • Manufacturing • Marine vessel operators • Marine equipment maintenance and repair
Financial investments include, but are not limited to, project developers, venture capital funds, investment banks and commercial lenders. Financial investments would attract billons of dollars. Page 10
Regional Challenges Tidal energy presents Important challenges, including:
Concerns over Impacts to Marine Environment and Existing Uses Ocean energy resources and energy conversion devices present a unique challenge to developers and regulators: • Limited availability of information on the marine environment making baselines difficult to establish. • To date, all in-water testing of TISEC devices (including ORPC) have not resulted in negative environmental impacts, however, the testing has been very limited.
Primary concerns are focused on potential impacts with fish and mammals, particularly endangered species. Concerns with fishermen include loss of “bottom space” Concerns will be addressed through a collaborative effort with local agencies and stakeholders as well as monitoring of TISEC devices through the technology commercialization and testing process.
Page 11
Regional Challenges (Continued) Tidal energy presents Important challenges, including:
Electricity Transmission Infrastructure Tidal energy resources typically exist in areas without electricity transmission systems or areas that have low capacities and cannot handle transmission of large amounts of electricity. Grid balancing challenges due to the intermittent supply of electricity varying with the flood and ebb of the tides, must be managed by the grid operator (ISO). Partially offsetting this issue is the fact that electricity from tidal energy projects can be scheduled since the cycle of the tides is well known. Proper planning and sufficient capital investment in transmission facilities will allow for aggregating renewable energy supplies and transmission to the best renewable energy markets.
Page 12
Regional Challenges (Continued) Tidal energy presents Important challenges, including:
FERC Licensing Process Ocean energy projects located within 3 nautical miles of the U.S. coast are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Obtaining a FERC operating license takes several years and is a three-part, process: •
Preliminary Permit – provides exclusive development rights to the site, subject to meeting progress standards, for a period of 3 years.
•
Pilot Project License – provides a temporary operating license for a project of 5 MW or less for a period of 5 years.
•
Operating License – provides a full license for operating a project for up to 50 years.
The FERC licensing process is cumbersome, expensive and time-consuming however, it does provide a single permitting process and site control. FERC is actively working to streamline the permitting process for tidal energy projects. Page 13
Summing It Up Tidal energy presents unique and significant opportunities but with those opportunities comes important challenges that must be overcome.
Is the view worth the climb?
Our answer is
Yes!!! Page 14
ORPC OCGen™ Technology Turbine-Generator Unit (TGU) “Core of the OCGen™ Technology” Varies with application – 36 to 107 Feet Typical
Varies – 7 to 12
Feet Typical
ORPC Proprietary Advanced Cross Flow (ADCF) Turbines
Varies - 10 to 16
Feet Typical ORPC Proprietary Permanent Magnet Underwater Generator
Incoming (Flood) Current
Outgoing (Ebb) Current
TGU Modular Structural Frame
Front/Back Elevation
Side Elevation
Key Design Features (Patent Applications Filed) Generating capacity of up to 250 kilowatts in a 6 knot current (varies with current speed) Unique proprietary turbine rotates in one direction only, regardless of current flow direction Two proprietary ADCF turbines drive a single proprietary underwater permanent magnet generator on a common shaft – direct drive arrangement with no gears (one moving part) OCGen™ TGU can be shop assembled and shipped to project sites TGU are “stacked” (horizontally or vertically) and incorporated into OCGen™ modules that contain the ballast/buoyancy tanks and power electronics/control system (plug & play) Assembled OCGen™ modules are deployed in arrays comprised of tens to hundreds of modules OCGen™ modules are held into position underwater using a deep sea mooring system A power and control cable connects each OCGen™ module to an underwater transmission line that interconnects with an on-shore substation OCGen module operations are monitored and controlled from on-shore computers OCGen™ modules are brought to the water surface for inspection and maintenance
Page 15
ORPC OCGen™ Technology OCGen™ Module Deployment Vertical (4x1) Configuration
Horizontal (2x2) Configuration
Page 17
Turbine Generator Unit (TGU) Prototype Demonstration Project Summary Turbine Generator Unit (TGU) Demonstration Project commenced July 2007 and “Energy Tide 1” launched in December 2007 Initial testing completed in April 2008 (testing ongoing) The prototype TGU is approximately 1/3 the physical size envisioned for large-scale tidal energy projects.
ORPC Western Passage Site (Eastport, ME) www.oceanrenewablepower.com
Page 8
TGU Demonstration Project Summary of Results The Technical Feasibility of the TGU has been demonstrated! Turbine Generator Unit (TGU) design feasibility has been confirmed. TGU self-starts (under load) in current speeds under 2 knots. TGU generates electricity continuously until current speeds fall below 1 knot. TGU has been stress tested - in current speeds up to 8 knots - with no excessive vibration or deflection. Peak electrical output in the expected range of 15 to 25 kilowatts. Prototype TGU met or exceeded expectations in 10 out of 12 criteria.
Page 18
Emission-Free Electricity from the World’s Rivers and Seas
ORPC Overview Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) is a developer of tidal energy technology and tidal energy projects A Delaware LLC founded in 2004, ORPC is a New England based developer of technology and projects that convert tidal, river and deep water ocean currents into emission-free electricity. ORPC executive offices in Portland with satellite offices in Fall River, MA and Anchorage, AK and a project office in Eastport. Proprietary ocean current generation (OCGen™) technology. Successful demonstration of the technical feasibility of the core component of OCGen™ technology, the Turbine-Generator Unit (TGU), in April 2008. Project sites in three of the world’s most promising tidal energy resources (Western Passage and Cobscook Bay, ME and Cook Inlet, AK). Planning a tidal and a river deployment of the commercial design of the TGU in the summer and fall of 2009 (pending funding). Page 2
Tidal Energy Conversion Technologies Two Basic Tidal Energy Conversion Technologies: Tidal barrages (dams) are designed to operate like conventional hydropower facilities. In general, a tidal area such as a bay is impounded and the water flows through turbines that are installed at the inlet/outlet of the barrage. Tidal barrages require very large capital investments and take a long time to construct Primary Advantage: Proven technology with off-the-shelf equipment. Primary Disadvantage: Impounding tidal areas can cause significant negative environmental impacts. Tidal In-Stream Conversion (TISEC) devices, comprised of rotor blades in combination with a generator, are designed to capture the kinetic motion (speed) of tidal currents and convert it to electricity. TISEC devices are essentially a piece of equipment that is deployed in open waters where there is sufficient current flows to generate electricity without the need for a barrage. Primary Advantage: Holds the promise of being the most environmentally benign method of power generation. Primary Disadvantage: Technology is still in the development phase. Page 4
Types of TISEC Devices Two Basic Types of TISEC Devices Under Development: Devices Using Axial Flow Turbines (propeller blades or “windmills under water”) where the axis of the turbine is parallel to the direction of current flow.
Devices using Cross Flow Turbines (advanced “paddle wheels”) where the axis of the turbine is perpendicular to the direction of current flow.
Page 5
What Makes a Good Tidal Energy Site? Site Specifications Substantial tidal current velocity – preferably peaking at 6 knots (3 m/s) or greater for both the flood and ebb tides. Sufficient depth and width (bathymetry) to provide for deployment of multiple units and allow for adequate clearance above the bottom and below the surface. Reasonable proximity to the electricity grid (substation) or remote power system (in the case of islands or remote communities). Not a highly sensitive area with respect to endangered species or fishing. Community support for tidal power development.
Western Passage
Cobscook Bay Page 6
Regional Opportunities Tidal energy presents significant opportunities, including:
Abundant Supply of Emission-Free Electricity Annual Environmental Benefit
Installed Peak Capacity (2015 est.)
Households
Estimated CO2 Reduction
100 MW
36,000
145,000 tons (est. 25,000 autos)
Significant reduction in New England’s carbon footprint. 100% of New England’s future electrical needs could be supplied from tidal energy in combination with other renewable energy projects. Potential to create significant renewable energy industry with Maine as a major supplier of tidal energy to New England. Reinforce New England’s reputation as an “eco-friendly” region. Create opportunities for “eco-tourism” Page 8
Regional Opportunities (Continued) Tidal energy presents significant opportunities, including:
Creation of a World Class Ocean Energy Cluster Potential to become a world leader in ocean energy (tidal, wave and offshore wind) through the formation of a ocean energy cluster (OEC). OEC expertise could be exported around the world to areas with ocean energy potential. Potential to become the catalyst and anchor customer for the marine composites industry. Significant boost to the marine services industry and bolster the “working waterfront” initiative in Maine.
Page 19
Regional Opportunities (Continued) Tidal energy presents significant opportunities, including:
Long Term and Sustainable Economic Development Potential to be a new, significant and sustainable industry creating new jobs, tax revenues and other important economic activity. New jobs would be professional and service related with average salaries above current average salaries. Such fields include: • Management and administration • Engineers, scientists and researchers • Technicians and skilled labor • Manufacturing • Marine vessel operators • Marine equipment maintenance and repair
Financial investments include, but are not limited to, project developers, venture capital funds, investment banks and commercial lenders. Financial investments would attract billons of dollars. Page 10
Regional Challenges Tidal energy presents Important challenges, including:
Concerns over Impacts to Marine Environment and Existing Uses Ocean energy resources and energy conversion devices present a unique challenge to developers and regulators: • Limited availability of information on the marine environment making baselines difficult to establish. • To date, all in-water testing of TISEC devices (including ORPC) have not resulted in negative environmental impacts, however, the testing has been very limited.
Primary concerns are focused on potential impacts with fish and mammals, particularly endangered species. Concerns with fishermen include loss of “bottom space” Concerns will be addressed through a collaborative effort with local agencies and stakeholders as well as monitoring of TISEC devices through the technology commercialization and testing process.
Page 11
Regional Challenges (Continued) Tidal energy presents Important challenges, including:
Electricity Transmission Infrastructure Tidal energy resources typically exist in areas without electricity transmission systems or areas that have low capacities and cannot handle transmission of large amounts of electricity. Grid balancing challenges due to the intermittent supply of electricity varying with the flood and ebb of the tides, must be managed by the grid operator (ISO). Partially offsetting this issue is the fact that electricity from tidal energy projects can be scheduled since the cycle of the tides is well known. Proper planning and sufficient capital investment in transmission facilities will allow for aggregating renewable energy supplies and transmission to the best renewable energy markets.
Page 12
Regional Challenges (Continued) Tidal energy presents Important challenges, including:
FERC Licensing Process Ocean energy projects located within 3 nautical miles of the U.S. coast are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Obtaining a FERC operating license takes several years and is a three-part, process: •
Preliminary Permit – provides exclusive development rights to the site, subject to meeting progress standards, for a period of 3 years.
•
Pilot Project License – provides a temporary operating license for a project of 5 MW or less for a period of 5 years.
•
Operating License – provides a full license for operating a project for up to 50 years.
The FERC licensing process is cumbersome, expensive and time-consuming however, it does provide a single permitting process and site control. FERC is actively working to streamline the permitting process for tidal energy projects. Page 13
Summing It Up Tidal energy presents unique and significant opportunities but with those opportunities comes important challenges that must be overcome.
Is the view worth the climb?
Our answer is
Yes!!! Page 14
ORPC OCGen™ Technology Turbine-Generator Unit (TGU) “Core of the OCGen™ Technology” Varies with application – 36 to 107 Feet Typical
Varies – 7 to 12
Feet Typical
ORPC Proprietary Advanced Cross Flow (ADCF) Turbines
Varies - 10 to 16
Feet Typical ORPC Proprietary Permanent Magnet Underwater Generator
Incoming (Flood) Current
Outgoing (Ebb) Current
TGU Modular Structural Frame
Front/Back Elevation
Side Elevation
Key Design Features (Patent Applications Filed) Generating capacity of up to 250 kilowatts in a 6 knot current (varies with current speed) Unique proprietary turbine rotates in one direction only, regardless of current flow direction Two proprietary ADCF turbines drive a single proprietary underwater permanent magnet generator on a common shaft – direct drive arrangement with no gears (one moving part) OCGen™ TGU can be shop assembled and shipped to project sites TGU are “stacked” (horizontally or vertically) and incorporated into OCGen™ modules that contain the ballast/buoyancy tanks and power electronics/control system (plug & play) Assembled OCGen™ modules are deployed in arrays comprised of tens to hundreds of modules OCGen™ modules are held into position underwater using a deep sea mooring system A power and control cable connects each OCGen™ module to an underwater transmission line that interconnects with an on-shore substation OCGen module operations are monitored and controlled from on-shore computers OCGen™ modules are brought to the water surface for inspection and maintenance
Page 15
ORPC OCGen™ Technology OCGen™ Module Deployment Vertical (4x1) Configuration
Horizontal (2x2) Configuration
Page 17
Turbine Generator Unit (TGU) Prototype Demonstration Project Summary Turbine Generator Unit (TGU) Demonstration Project commenced July 2007 and “Energy Tide 1” launched in December 2007 Initial testing completed in April 2008 (testing ongoing) The prototype TGU is approximately 1/3 the physical size envisioned for large-scale tidal energy projects.
ORPC Western Passage Site (Eastport, ME) www.oceanrenewablepower.com
Page 8
TGU Demonstration Project Summary of Results The Technical Feasibility of the TGU has been demonstrated! Turbine Generator Unit (TGU) design feasibility has been confirmed. TGU self-starts (under load) in current speeds under 2 knots. TGU generates electricity continuously until current speeds fall below 1 knot. TGU has been stress tested - in current speeds up to 8 knots - with no excessive vibration or deflection. Peak electrical output in the expected range of 15 to 25 kilowatts. Prototype TGU met or exceeded expectations in 10 out of 12 criteria.
Page 18
