Ocean Flow Energy is currently developing a 1/5th scale Evopod based on the 1/10th scale unit that has been successfully tested in Strangford Narrows. The 1/5th scale Evopod has a rated output of 22kW and is available as a grid connected unit or for off-grid supply of electricity for heat or power.

In December 2007 Ocean Flow was awarded a research grant by One NorthEast, the Regional Development Agency for the North East of England, to support the testing of a 1/10th scale Evopod and its mooring system in real tidal stream conditions. Testing of the 10th scale unit started in June 2008 and has continued through into 2009 including a period of deployment during the winter months.

Demonstration of the 1/10th scale Evopod followed on from the “Proof of Concept” phase that was carried out in 2005/06 with the support of a DTI Research Grant (administered by One NorthEast). This work was carried out by Ocean Flow with support from the North East Business Innovation Centre (BIC) and the University of Newcastle’s School of Marine Science and Technology (MAST) and their Resource Centre for Innovation and Design (RCID) completed in June 2006.

Tests carried out on a 1/40th scale model at the University of Newcastle’s combined wave and current flume tank were used to validate the turbine efficiency and the floating tethered platform’s motion stability characteristics.

Detailed evaluation of the mooring system was carried out using OrcaFlex industry standard software backed up by model tests.

Collaboration & Support