Cost effectiveness is at the root of all the key aspects of the Triton system.  The inherent adaptability also widens the opportunity to mount the most cost effective and reliable turbines currently being developed.

Turbines

The Triton platform system will incorporate turbines supplied by other manufacturers.  The versatility of the platform approach enables the adoption of units ranging from open or shrouded rotors to geared or direct drive transmissions          

The Triton 6 six rotor platform in the heavy maintenance mode

Triton 6 ballasting system

Gravity base     

Pinned frame

Mono-pile

Seabed Anchorage

The connection to the seabed is vital to withstand several hundred tonnes of sideways thrust from the turbines when generating, as well as hydrodynamic structural loading from storms and tidal flows.

Unlike with most other tidal turbine systems, there are no large overturning moments at the seabed with the Triton, only shear, so the required anchorage will be smaller a, lighter, and cheaper to install.  Depending on the water depth, currents, and seabed condition, a number of options are possible and are illustrated below:                

TidalStream Technology

      Deployment:

• it acts as a vessel that can be floated out from harbour to site fully fitted with turbines
• it can be installed without any barges, large cranes, jack-ups or divers
• a single seabed anchor point is all that is required for attachment at site
• it houses its own step-up transformer - providing 22 or 33 kV export to shore

      Efficiency:

• it is designed to swing and follow the tide - maximum energy capture
• bi-directional blading is not required - the turbines always operate downstream of the flow
• the turbines are located clear of storm affected surface or inefficient bottom streams
• with up to 10MW of conversion capability from a single installation the installed cost per MW is greatly reduced

      Maintenance:

• the control room can be accessed while the system is still operating
• it can be brought to the surface within 30 minutes -   enabling inspection/maintenance of all key components
• it can be accessed in five sea state codes including Moderate
• all sea bed fittings, bearings, release mechanism and connections can be brought to the surface for full dry access

TidalStream TRITON

The enabling technology for tidal turbine deployment

Up to 10MW from a single installation

Float-out installation and recovery

Safe and efficient on-board maintenance

Developing concepts for harvesting tidal energy