Introduction of 1MW Class Tidal Current Converting System Being Developed By KIOST

Abstract

Recently, in response to unstable energy supply and demand and global warming, the development of renewable and sustainable energy in the world is definitely increasing, while international environmental regulations on carbon emissions are intensifying. Although there are various kinds of renewable energy such as ocean energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, solar energy, bio-energy, and so on; only tidal current energy among ocean energies has the advantage that it is possible to accurately predict the amount of power generation over a long period of time and adjust within the system since the current occur regularly due to the movement of celestial bodies. Tidal current energy conversion system is a power generation method that generates electricity from the kinetic energy of the current. There is a large amount of tidal current energy in Korea, and it is estimated that a lot of tidal current energy is also present in the world. In this study, preliminary design has been carried out for a 1MW class tidal current convertor system that is being designed to be installed in Uldolmok located in Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do. Marine environment of Uldolmok has been investigated and the design basis has been determined, BEMBO based on BEMT has been used to predict the basic shape and performances as the preliminary design for tidal current turbine blades. Also, integrated load analysis has been performed by using Tidal Bladed. Consequentially, the flow characteristics and load performances of the tidal current turbine system in the Uldolmok have been comprehensively analyzed.