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GPEA's PropGen is a new technology designed to harness clean,
renewable, reliable energy from ocean tidal currents. The PropGen
Demonstrator, as seen above, is an in-stream tidal generator composed
of a single 25kW propeller mounted to a proprietary variable ballast
system. This ballast system is a unique part of PropGen's technology
that allows the unit to maintain level operation while tracking up and
down in the water, or turning to face the reversing tidal flow. Unlike
fixed or non-variable ballast in-stream tidal units, PropGen's vertical
motion allows it to spend more time at optimal water velocity, which
means it spends more time generating per tidal cycle.
These generating units are deployed in rivers or in tidal channels with
fully reversing flow. Unless a PropGen unit is up for maintenance it
operates unseen. Only a marker buoy is visible to alert fishermen or
boaters to PropGen's presence. It operates at a depth such that boat
traffic is unaffected, and can continue to operate below ice in winter
months. PropGen is also safe for marine life since it generates with a
low speed turbine.
Custom Design:
PropGen units are designed for maximum efficiency in available water
velocities and can be networked to increase output. Current
prototype designs are for 200kW units with 1MW units planned.
PropGen is availale in single and double turbine designs.
The number of units that can be installed at a given location is
dependent on water velocities available and the physical dimensions of
the channel.
Economical Choice:
- Easy Installation:
PropGen replaces expensive and time consuming tower mounting with
a less expensive cable mooring operation or anchor system.
- Low Maintenance:
PropGen can be controlled from shore and called to the surface
for maintenance. At site maintenance reduces downtime and
maintenance costs.
- High Efficiency: Over fifty years of turbine engineering experience bears maximum efficiency turbines for the application
- Dependable Power: Tidal energy is a predictable and reliable source of energy.
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