The 1.25MW tidal turbine array at the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier, developed by Dutch company Tocardo Tidal Power, is being restored to its full capacity after one of the turbines suffered minor damage which caused it to operate at reduced output.
One of the blades on one T2 turbine performed at reduced output, producing only half the energy of its normal performance , as it was hit by a large object – probably a tree trunk – during the operation of a five-turbine array, according to Holland Composites , the manufacturer of the blades in charge of the inspection.
The turbine power blades have been running for 3 years non-stop, and aside from the minor damage, are still working ‘perfect’ and ‘have no noticeable wear or tear’, Holland Composite informed.
“We are now replacing both blades on this turbine, so the installation gets back to its full capacity of 1.25 megawatts power,” the composite structures specialist said.
In September 2015 the complete structure was installed inside the barrier within just two hours’ time, marking a big step forward for the Dutch water technology sector and the global tidal energy industry.
The 50-meter long support structure, including turbines, was transported over water by heavy lift specialist Mammoet . Using a special barge and Mammoet’s Self-Propelled Modular Transporter, the structure was put into place between two of the barrier’s pillars.
The Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier is the largest of the famous Delta Works, a series of dams and barriers, designed to protect the Netherlands from flooding.
As reported earlier, Tocardo has in earlier in 2018 signed an agreement with DELTA power utility for the purchase of clean electricity generated by the Eastern Scheldt tidal array .
Tocardo turbines have rotor blades that can be pitched 180 degrees, so they can use both flood current and ebb current power production.
According to the developers, the installation is capable of generating clean electricity for around 1,000 Dutch households .