By 2050, the size of wave and tidal energy is expected to reach an installed capacity of 100GW, which will be able to power 66 million European homes and also enable the EU to meet its target of reducing emission of green-house gases by 80-95% below 1990 levels. Tidal generators are installed in very harsh environments of the sea-bed, where saline water, unpredictable tidal flow, marine debris and suspended particle impact can cause serious damage to generator blades and gearboxes. In addition, the unpredictable changing nature of load demand causes stresses on the tidal components. The primary objective of the TidalHealth project is to commercially produce a direct torque measurement device attached to tidal generator shaft for overall condition monitoring of tidal power plants remotely. This will result in the reduction of operations and maintenance cost of the plants and thus improves the return on investment for tidal technologies.
The objective of the TidalHealth technology is to develop a health monitoring system of tidal generators using torque sensors attached to the generator shafts. This system will be able to reduce the O&M cost of the tidal power plants and thus successfully commercialize the tidal energy market. The system targets a potential 796 billion Euro market of marine energy market with some special features USP (Unique selling point) like optimal mounting method of RF antenna for data communication, miniature sensors that take measurement from torque input directly.
More specific the objectives of the project were:
1. Development of detailed design specifications: For proper output of SAW sensors, they need to be directly attached to generator shafts. This study will test and implement optimized solution for different angles and methods for attachment of the sensor to shafts. TidalHealth system will be associated with optimized fuzzy logic algorithm and more accurate, control rules to use direct torque measurements as input. In the feasibility study the design parameters and regulations will be optimized for cost efficiency and better performance. Primary target can be fully operational efficiency for maintaining 10 MWh power generation plants which would be scaled up to 10 GWh power generation within first 5 years.
2. Feasibility study of data communication and signal processing of sensors: The sensors must have RF antennas coupled for signal processing and data communication. Parameters such as antenna positioning, range, data transmission protocols, channel for data communication and positioning of the receivers will be tested and implemented in this feasibility study for efficient optimization of the TidalHealth system. 100% data transmission efficiency is the goal of the study.
3. Planning a test rig: We will study the cost and implementation of a test rig with our TidalHealth technology. We are expecting to apply for SME instrumentation Phase 2. This complete study will help us to adapt the up-gradation. The goals will be to i) Reduce generator downtime (maximum 1 hour downtime for each generator of a plant), ii) Increase yearly power output (10% increase of power generation at the end of year 1).
4. IP protection: We have one patent in USA and two in Turkey. We also have applied for few other patents covering some specific aspects of our ideas on SAW sensors, fuzzy logic based control and signal processing algorithms. We currently plan to manufacture the devices at our own. But, we will study the monetary benefit of giving license of using our IP to some OEMs.
5. Identification of suppliers: In this feasibility study we plan to identify different components of the system and identify the potential suppliers for future negotiations. Supply components include SAW sensors, control systems, testing services for marine environment, automation related services and supplies control solutions etc. We will discuss with different component suppliers to obtain quote and to create a list of different component suppliers. We believe by expanding our component supplier search across the globe and by utilizing negotiating skill, we can keep the manufacturing cost down to €1.5 million.
6. Market research: The primary objective of market research is to study the nature of two different sections of market: tidal power generating bodies and original equipment manufacturers for tidal power plants. In order to reach the potential clients effectively, we need to study their need in detail. We will also research on possible extension of our market. Tidal Sense Demo, Epsilon Optics, Akoostix and SKF group are our potential competitors. We will make detailed study about them and try to recognize other potentials.
7. Risk analysis: We need to investigate different risks associated with the business plan, e.g.
• Failure to encourage the consumers to invest in TidalHealth technology.
• Dissatisfaction among users and switch to competitor products.
• Higher market penetration by the major competitors.
• Failure to assess generator health in more challenging regions.
• Failed data communication by the antenna attached with sensors.
8. Developing a Business Plan: By integrating the above mentioned objectives in the phase 1 study, we will develop a solid business plan for the commercial exploitation of this TidalHealth technology. This will include market opportunity (size, growth, needs), value proposition, commercialization strategy, IP strategy technology/solution description, , and financial projections
