As many countries commit to moving away from coal and ending fossil fuels, there is a need to develop technologies that enable the use of renewable energy sources. Although solar panels and wind turbines are used in most cases, both systems have their limitations when it comes to generating electricity. For example, the power of wind turbines is highly dependent on wind speed, and solar panels can only generate electricity during the day. Although a conventional hydraulic turbine installed in a stream of water can produce electricity continuously, regardless of the time of day, it has a strong impact on aquatic fauna and its habitat.
Taking into account numerous studies on the interactions of wind turbines with ecosystems, Idénergie, based in Montreal, designed a tidal turbine to minimize the impact on aquatic fauna and its habitat. They opted for a Darrieus-type rotor which does not present any damage to the aquatic ecosystem.. The tidal turbine converts the kinetic energy of the river current in electricity.
The current of the river allows the rotational movement of the turbines, which activates the generator. The resulting energy is converted into electricity using the integrated smart converter. This converted energy is then sent to the batteries via an electrical cable. The batteries are recharged 24 hours a day, and from there, an inverter transforms direct current (24-48 V DC) into alternating current (120 V or 220 V AC) to power electrical appliances.
Idénergie’s river current turbine can meet the electrical needs of a residence by generating, at its maximum capacity, up to 12 kWh per day, depending on the speed of the water available. Even at minimum capacity, the device produces enough energy to run common household appliances such as a refrigerator, TV, computer and lighting.
The company claims that a single river turbine at full capacity can produce as much energy as 12 solar panels. In addition, the Canadian generator represents an annual saving of 50% compared to the maintenance costs of a gasoline generator.
Additionally, the device is made primarily of noble metals such as aluminum and other environmentally friendly components, making the turbine the most environmentally friendly of all renewable energy products available. These materials do not react with the environment and are easily recyclable, ensuring lasting value at the end of their useful life.
Idénergie has developed a new underwater electric generator technology, very efficient at low speeds and completely sealed, thanks to an innovation that eliminates the transmission shaft between the turbine and the generator. Its impermeability limits the necessary maintenance and will ensure a long life of the product in any type of water. In addition, an integrated variable speed drive located in the generator housing allows for optimal electricity conversion, optimum rotational speed control, automatic turbine start-up, continuous power optimization, monitoring capabilities remote, emergency and more.
The installation of the tidal turbine requires only three people with little or no experience. There is no need for cranes, river channel modifications or expensive civil works. The kit can be shipped anywhere in the world, disassembled in a box and assembled on the bank simply with Allen keys.