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SUMMARY:Tidal stream energy: the ‘Sea-Spider’ vertical axis tidal turb
 ine - Simon Sanderson\, inventor of Sea-Spider\; and Charles Lee\, enginee
 r on the project
DTSTART:20120911T173000Z
DTEND:20120911T200000Z
UID:TALK39663@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Publicity Officer\, IMechE Beds &amp\; Cambs area
DESCRIPTION:Tidal energy has the attraction over wind and wave energy that
  it is wholly predictable. Tidal stream devices can be located under or ne
 ar the surface of the sea\, minimising visual and environmental impact.\n\
 nMost of the tidal turbines currently being developed today are axial flow
  propeller turbines\, mounted on structures positioned on the seabed. As t
 he generators and many working parts are submerged\, divers\, crane barges
  or lifting structures are needed to raise them to the surface for mainten
 ance\, which is costly. Devices have so far been developed up to about 1MW
 \, and the approach being taken to scale up further is to build arrays of 
 turbines.\n\nSea-Spider is a novel vertical axis tidal turbine developed b
 y Renewergen Ltd. Sea-Spider’s design places all electrical generating p
 lant above the water\, allowing easier and safer access\, and lower operat
 ion and maintenance costs. It is designed to be scaleable to a large size\
 , enabling economic deployment in a wide range of locations.\n\nA nine mon
 th research project\, partly funded by EEDA and the ERDF\, explored the te
 chnical and economic feasibility of the concept. This included testing of 
 a working model\, development of computer simulations\, input from special
 ist sub-contractors with experience of offshore energy and an independent 
 due diligence review. A patent has been published. Partners are being soug
 ht to finance further development of Sea-Spider.\n\nIn the first in-depth 
 talk on the project\, the speakers will discuss the advantages and challen
 ges of tidal stream energy\; the approaches being taken\; examples of some
  devices that have been deployed\; the features and advantages Sea-Spider\
 ; its development to date and lessons learnt.\n\nThe speakers will be Simo
 n Sanderson\, the inventor of Sea-Spider\; and Charles Lee\, who supported
  the engineering of the project.\n\nFree to attend. All welcome. No need t
 o register.\n\nRefreshments served from 18.30. Talk starts at 19.00. Ends 
 by 21.00 following questions and discussion.\n\nFurther information is at 
 http://tinyurl.com/cw57uu5
LOCATION:Lecture Room 4\, Cambridge University Engineering Department\, Tr
 umpington Street\, Cambridge CB2 1PZ
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