OES Annual Report 2012 - Ocean Energy Systems

103
04 / COUNTRY REPORTS
New Developments
Tauw have a license to the Vivace technology developed by University of Michigan. Tauw are planning
to demonstrate the technology in the river Ijssel near the German border in 2012/2013. VIVACE uses the
physical phenomenon of vortex induced vibration in which water current flows around cylinders inducing
transverse motion. The energy contained in the movement of the cylinder is then converted into electricity.
Demo unit of Vivace in US
Hydroring BV have built a prototype unit which has been tested in a discharge pipe for several days at the
site of Volker Stevin proving the technology works. Hydroring is a ring turbine with a magnetic suspended
rotor. The central core of the turbine is open for fish to pass. The Hydroring can be integrated in existing
weirs and sluice gates and operates at a small head.
Test rig for the HydroRing at Volker Stevin
RedStack are preparing a small scale osmotic pilot plant at the Afsluitdijk. Permits for a larger, 50kWp plant
are already in place. The RED Stack technology uses Reverse ElectroDialysis to generate power from the
charge potential between sweet and salt water, by utilizing two kinds of ion exchange membranes.
Oranjewoud are lead partners in the development of a low head tidal site dubbed the Grevelingen Tidal
Test Centre (GTTC). The Flakkeese sluice gate located in the Grevelingendam will be used. The complex
comprises six tubes and connects the Grevelingmeer (a lake) with the Oosterschelde (a river connected
to the North Sea). International technology developers and turbine suppliers are invited to test at this
site. The results from the GTTC may offer a solution for a much larger project in the Brouwersdam, where
a 60MW tidal barrage scheme is being considered by energy utility Delta and civil engineering company
Strukton.
Both IHC and Tocardo have all permits in place to develop free stream tidal projects in the Eastern Scheldt
Storm Surge barrier.