Tidal Turbine Recovery
Nova Scotia Power and its technology partner, OpenHydro, have successfully completed recovery of OpenHydro's demonstration turbine from the Minas Passage. Recovery of the 400 tonne tidal turbine represents a first for OpenHydro and a first for the Bay of Fundy. The structure appears to be in excellent condition overall and, consistent with the images obtained this summer, all of the blades are missing from the centre of the unit.
It's too early to be certain but it appears this is the result of the tidal regime being much stronger than initially believed. A detailed engineering analysis will providemore information and guide the next design and deployment.
The turbine has been towed to Cherubini Metalworks in Dartmouth. This took several days, depending on weather. Once on shore, OpenHydro will conduct a detailed engineering analysis of the unit and access the data collection and storage equipment that was installed on the gravity base and tidal turbine. The engineering analysis will begin early this year. OpenHydro and Nova Scotia Power remain fully committed to re-installing the tidal turbine in the Bay of Fundy as soon as possible.
