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Home News-archive Tidal Projects Pulse Tidal launches Humber test programme
| Pulse Tidal launches Humber test programme |
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| Written by Administrator | |||
| Tuesday, 30 September 2008 15:11 | |||
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A test rig to generate energy from the tidal stream in the Humber estuary has been launched today (Tuesday 30 Sept) by UK-based Pulse Tidal. The test rig will be used to feed electricity into the UK's national grid, via a connection at the Millennium Inorganic Chemicals plant on the south bank of the Humber. The system has been trialed successfully at Hull University and uses high-performance hydrofoils similar to aeroplane wings that move up and down like whale tails, taking energy from tidal stream currents. Unlike other planned tidal devices, says the company, the Pulse generator can operate in the shallow waters of estuaries where the tides tend to be strongest, allowing the system to deliver low cost power close to areas of high demand. This test device will operate in only five metres of water and will produce 100kW of power, enough electricity to power up to 70 homes. The company has attracted private funding from investors including Japanese trading giant Marubeni as well as £1.1m of grant funding, including a major grant under the UK Government’s Technology Programme, and funds from the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund delivered through the South Yorkshire Objective 1 Programme. Pulse Director Howard Nimmo says: "Today sees the first part of the rig being placed into the water after extensive testing at the University of Hull. We will spend the next couple of weeks finishing the construction including fitting the moving foils. We will run the test for several weeks and report on the results as soon as we can. "This is the most appropriate location for the test, not least because Hull and the Humber region are world-leading in terms of tidal power technology. The University of Hull's expertise is key in attracting investment into the region for such potentially huge projects."
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