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Development of a novel wave tidal energy converter (WATEC) to lower renewable electricity generation costs.

Objective

"WATEC project deals with the design, fabrication, ""on-field"" testing and commercialization of an innovative hydro-turbine able to convert into electricity the kinetic and potential energy of waves and the kinetic energy of tidal streams.
The technology works in three ways:
1- it converts the kinetic energy of tidal streams by applying an undershoot waterwheel principle utilising a flow diverter to accelerate and redirect flow under the rotor;
2- this deflector also redirects waves onto the upper platform where an overtopping principle converts wave potential energy as flow drains past the side of the rotor;
3- a similar approach and flow path is used to capture wave kinetic energy.
Thanks to the simultaneous exploitation of both potential and kinetic waves and kinetic tidal hydro-energy in a compact plant and to the technology design optimization, WATEC leads to a industry leading LCOE of 71 €/MWh, much lower than the competing solution for low-head hydropower conversion (100÷270 €/kWh ).
The HP plant floating structure is semi-submersible utilising a taut mooring principle and anchor cable shock absorbers to minimise wave impact forces. This approach also eliminates the need for:
-) voltage limiting ‘wet mate’ inductive couplings;
-) expensive subsea interventions for maintenance and defouling;
-) expensive subsea construction techniques.
The technology has a low environmental impact (no piling for the deployment of the deadweight anchors and limited seabed trenching are required), an easy installation, a low visual impact in comparison to industry alternatives (it protrudes 10 meters above water level), a full material recovery during the decommissioning process.
By WATEC, low-head hydropower sector will be revolutionized as it will be possible to apply a technology able to make competitive damless HP, thus dramatically enlarging the HP application potentialities.
"

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017

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Coordinator

PLIOSAUR ENERGY LTD
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 50 000,00
Address
34 Sally Hill
BS20 7BH PORTISHEAD SOMERSET
United Kingdom

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
South West (England) Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 71 429,00
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