Evopod is a device for generating electricity from free flowing tidal streams, river estuaries and ocean currents. It is a unique floating solution drawing upon proven technologies used in the offshore oil and gas and marine industries.

Evopod uses a simple but effective mooring system that allows the free floating device to maintain optimum heading into the tidal stream. It can be accessed by boat for first line maintenance and has been developed specifically to address the need for a tidal current device that can operate in exposed deep water sites where severe wind and waves also make up the environment.

Novel Features

• Patented low motion hull form (UK Patent No. GB 2422878, USA Patent No. 7,541,688 and South Africa Patent No. 2007/3743)
• High survivability of device in extreme waves
• High efficiency large diameter turbine
• Simple but effective mooring system that allows the device to maintain an optimum heading to the tidal stream (UK Patent GB 2450962)
• Proprietary system for segregating the power export umbilical from the mooring lines
• Power train solution (gearbox, generator, controls) that makes maximum use of standard wind turbine components
• Marine aspects (shaft, seals, stern bearing, power export swivel) all employ standard marine components

Evopod’s key discriminators are:

• Designed for efficient operation in exposed sea areas where waves coexist with tidal current.
• Can be easily disconnected from its mooring system and removed off-site for maintenance in safe non-tidal sheltered areas.
• Does not require long duration, expensive and risky installation operations as required for fixed seabed mounted devices.
• Maximises use of off-the-shelf components from commercial shipping and wind power industries.