The objective of DEEP-Gen V is a reduction of the Cost of Electricity (CoE) of the Tidal Generation Ltd (TGL) 1MW Free Stream Tidal Turbine through drivetrain selection and re-design. It is expected that removal of the rotor pitch system will contribute firmly towards system-level CoE reduction. In this event there is a minimum level of drivetrain re-design required to deal with increased loads, but also an opportunity to specify new technologies that further reduce CoE. Capitalising on this opportunity is the main thrust of the project.
Project partners Romax have extensive capability in drivetrain design, modelling and analysis, and a state-of-the-art software. The main subcontractor, the University of Sheffield, offers substantial electrical machines and drives expertise. Further budget is allocated for additional subcontract work to support preliminary design work.
A systems engineering approach has been employed to define drivetrain functionality and requirements, down-select a number of study concepts and develop modelling tools and assessment/down-selection methods. Project collaborators and potential suppliers have provided characterisation data for numerous drivetrain components.
The final output of the study will be a drivetrain recommendation for prototype development as part of the TGL turbine development roadmap, an implementation strategy that minimises risk and a preliminary concept design