« Today, the kinetic energy of currents (marine or river) is an immense, but largely under-exploited, resource. Why? Because most current tidal turbines suffer from two major weaknesses: the mechanical complexity of following the variations of the current, and chronic obstruction by floating debris (macro-waste, algae), which leads to prohibitive maintenance costs and reduced performance. »
2. La Solution
To overcome these technological barriers, we have designed a disruptive tidal turbine, conceived for maximum autonomy and zero maintenance. Our innovation rests on three mechanical pillars:
- Passive self-orientation (free rotation axis): The turbine rotates freely around a single vertical axis. It aligns itself instantly, without any motor or electronic sensors, in the exact direction of the current (like a hydrodynamic wind vane). Efficiency is always optimal, regardless of the flow direction.
- Hydrodynamic inlet: Optimized convergence to accelerate the fluid at the inlet and maximize the energy captured by the turbine.
- Anti-clogging ‘barb’ system: Inspired by biomimicry, the inlet is equipped with flexible or profiled barbs. This device naturally deflects weeds, plastics, and sediment upstream without slowing the water flow, preventing turbine clogging and ensuring continuous operation.
3. Les Avantages Clés (La Valeur Ajoutée)
- Maximum Reliability: Less electronics and slewing motors means a drastic reduction in the risk of failure.
- Reduced Maintenance: The self-cleaning barb system eliminates frequent interventions for unclogging.
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- Continuous Efficiency: Optimized energy production 24/7 thanks to permanent alignment with the current.
- Eco-design: Minimal environmental impact, the barbs also acting as a visual or physical deflector for aquatic wildlife.