SAFETY seal manufacturer Roxtec has provided its waterproof sealing solution to the largest and most powerful tidal turbine in the world.
Manchester based Roxtec UK managing director Graham O’Hare said the deal with Scotrenewables Tidal Power Limited (SRTP) involved Roxtec supplying the new SR2000 2MW floating turbine which is 65m long, 3m diameter and weighs 550 tons. Once launched later this year, the SR2000 will undergo an intensive demonstration programme at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), following which it will be offered to the global tidal industry as a technology with the lowest cost of energy in the sector.
He said: “We have sealed a high volume of multiple electrical control and instrumentation cables of various sizes on the turbine through every bulkhead between sections. The cabling in the turbine is extensive and runs its entire length through ten compartments inside the floating hull, and also cable sealing within the generator nacelles, and over an exposed section linked to topside power, control and communication equipment.”
“Going forward our seals are designed to be flexible with easy maintenance access and spare capacity for upgrades. This is important because the project is still in test phase and changes may be required.”