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View Full Version : Vertical Axis Tidal Turbine


Shaun Waters
4th February 2014, 07:39
Hi,

For my University Project I have to create a working Tidal Turbine. I have chosen to use a Vertical Axis one, which will allow all the electrical equipment to be placed above water.

I have been successful in the Mechanical building part of the project so far. But I am very stuck on converting the mechanical energy into electrical.

Due to tidal energy, I am struggling to find a motor/generator that will produce energy at very low RPM. I have seen that Permanent magnet motors or Permanent magnet Alternators are best to use, but do not know which would suit my needs best. I have looked into gearboxes and have found references to Planetary gearboxes being used with wind turbines.

I am also struggling to understand what is needed in order to transfer any output voltage from a motor/generator to a large deep cycle battery of perhaps 24V.

So far I have found a 24VDC Motor with a Planetary gearbox connected, I was wondering if this would be suitable?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-New-Parvalux-24v-DC-Electric-Motor-PM45-Planetary-Gearbox-BARGAIN-/321312580847?pt=UK_BOI_Industrial_Automation_Contr ol_ET&hash=item4acfb8e4ef

Due to it being a university project, I have a limited a rather low budget.

I would greatly appreciate any help,

Shaun Waters