There are several other tidal
stream generators under development at the present time, none of which
are completely ready to be marketed as a commercial product. DVC technology
has numerous advantages over its competitors as follows:
Ø Due to the simplicity
of its construction and the small number of submerged moving parts,
capital costs and maintenance are expected to be significantly lower
than for other systems.
Ø The gearbox and generator
will be mounted above the water surface in a weather-proofed housing
which will allow conventional electro-mechanical systems to be installed.
Ø The turbine runner and its water-lubricated bearings will
be the only moving parts below the surface. The turbine rotor rotate
in the same direction regardless of the direction of the tide.
Ø DVC turbines will be
self-starting.
Ø DVC turbines can operate
in relatively shallow water and can continue to operate when partly
exposed.
Ø The turbines exhibit
low drag characteristics due to the incorporation of the support structure
within the flow management cowlings. This is very important in hostile
marine environments and will allow simpler and cheaper foundations.
Ø The tip speed of the
rotor blades will always be lower than the speed of the current. This
is a significant safety advantage over other designs where the blade
tip speed is much higher than that of the current.
Ø The modules of this
turbine can be easily screened to prevent any damage to marine mammals
or large fish. Small fish can pass through unscathed.
Ø DVC turbines could be
attached to existing structures such as bridge piers and also to the
bases of offshore wind turbines where tidal currents are suitable.
