A project delivered by Southeast Power Engineering of the UK has seen a mini power station installed on the River Thames at Romney Weir to generate electricity using environment-friendly, water-driven Archimedes screw generators. The completed design features two WEG W22 premium efficiency IE3 generators being driven via a gearbox to produce the electricity which now powers Windsor Castle.
The WEG units are special products for this application in the sense that they are generators based on a WEG W22 motor. When the screws need to be restarted, electricity is used, and then as the speed increases, so the motor function changes over to that of a generator. The rotation of the screw is maintained by the water which, in turn, maintains the generator speed in order to produce the electricity.
The scheme is the brainchild of David Dechambeau, managing director of Southeast Power Engineering, who has overseen every step of the design and installation process. “In order to make this project sustainable, it was essential that we select the most efficient equipment for the construction of this power station. The design called for a reliable generator with superior efficiency ratings and on balance the WEG component definitely fitted the criteria and it was straightforward to install.”
The power station has been generating electricity since the middle of 2013 and is in the final stages of completing its testing and commissioning. It comprises two Archimedes screws manufactured by Landustrie, each weighing 40 tonnes, connected to the WEG generators, which are now delivering 320 kW/h at peak flow, exceeding the original design criteria.
The generators were designed and manufactured in Portugal at WEG’s dedicated European manufacturing site. They are rated at 185 kW and produce electricity at 400 V, which is then fed via a 500 kVA transformer to an underground line that connects to Windsor Castle and to the national grid.
Efficiency was a key target for this application as the installation has a fixed ROI period. At 96% efficiency, the WEG motor/generators represented one of the best investments Southeast Power could make to ensure the six-year ROI target was met. The installation has a minimum guaranteed design life of 50 years while Southeast Power has a 40 year tenancy of the site, which means that reliability and longevity were also very important considerations. If the screws stop turning, it means a direct consequence in terms of revenue.
“This was a very important project for us, not only because we are supplying the Royal Household, but also as an initial stepping stone for a number of similar projects. It is essential that we installed the most efficient and ecologically sound power plant as possible. The work we are completing now will help to deliver future projects using similar technology as demand for sustainable power increases,” concludes Dechambeau.
Hitachi Energy’s power quality solution
Electrical Power & Protection
Hitachi Energy has announced the deployment of its power quality solution to connect Tanzania’s leading gold producer, Geita Gold Mine (GGML) securely to the national grid.
Read more...PPS delivers containerised distribution board for Western Cape hybrid power project
Electrical Power & Protection
South African electrical enclosure specialist Power Process Systems has successfully completed the design, fabrication and commissioning of a 4000 A containerised distribution board for a wind/PV solar hybrid renewable energy project on a site in the Western Cape.
Read more...The choice of a thermal carrier is critical for optimal processing
Electrical Power & Protection
Historically steam, fuelled by coal, has been the most prevalent thermal carrier in South African industry. However, times are changing, with the manufacturing and processing sector needing to review the energy reticulation systems and thermal carriers currently in use.
Read more...ABB’s blueprint for a net zero future
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB’s Mission to Zero is a strategic initiative aimed at achieving a sustainable future characterised by zero emissions, zero accidents and zero waste.
Read more...General-purpose 350 W AC-DC power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
The TDK-Lambda GUS350 series of compact single-output general-purpose power supplies addresses the need for an economically priced product while maintaining reliability and quality.
Read more...Ground-breaking battery tester Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Midtronics offers the proven MVT handheld battery tester. This revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.
Read more...Energy audits pave the pathway to sustainability and savings Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy audits serve as essential tools for businesses looking to reduce costs and meet environmental targets. By analysing energy consumption across systems such as lighting, HVAC, ICT and water infrastructure, audits identify inefficiencies and quantify carbon footprints, enabling data-driven decisions for operational and financial optimisation.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version