Lcoe evaluation for a tidal kinetic self balancing turbine: Case study and comparison

In the 2009, the team DIMEG (Department of Mechanical, Energetic and Management Engineering) and SintEnergy srl begun several studies for developing an innovative kinetic turbine working on tidal currents. The machine had to be easy to realize and install, but, at same time, able to capture the maximum allowable energy from the tidal flow even with low speeds and bidirectional currents. At ICAE2015 a first mockup model has been displayed: the concept is a machine able to maintain the frontal position to the flow, just thanks to its geometry and technical solutions. The supporting structure of the turbine is very cheap and makes it similar to a kite: no concrete structure, nor pylons or floating devices are needed for anchoring. The energy conversion is allowed thanks to a permanent magnetic generator built in the rotors, so none gearbox or nacelle are needed. The equilibrium is allowed to a little buoy for the right depth and a central stabilizer useful for maintaining the optimal distance from the coast. The aim of this paper is to make a cost evaluation, using, for calculations, the LCOE parameter, for a pilot plant and a commercial one; then a comparison with similar technologies has been performed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.