The technology

Technology designed to withstand a hostile environment.

The utilisation of tide-induced currents is the number one focus of SABELLA’s development. SABELLA has developed a specific technology based on an original concept of a screen of turbines positioned on the seafloor. This submarine tidal turbine concept remains to date the only French industrial development of its kind. It is differentiated from emerging technologies around the world by its simplicity and its robust build, a guarantee of its reliability and low maintenance level in a hostile environment which is difficult to access.

It is characterised by a configuration of turbines juxtaposed on the seafloor, without impinging on the surface. These turbines are stabilised by gravity and/or are anchored according to the nature of the seafloor. They are pre-orientated in the direction of the tidal currents, and the profile of their symmetrical blades helps to capture the ebb and flow. The rotor activated, at slow speeds (10 to 15 rpm), by the tides, powers a generator, which in turn exports its electricity production to land via a submarine cable anchored and embedded at its landfall. Like wind turbines, an electronic power module regulates electricity produced by the variable speed generator to deliver an electric signal in compliance with the specifications of the national grid.

The dimensions of the turbines are adapted to suit the bathymetry of the site to prevent disturbance to navigation. Furthermore, inshore sites with strong currents are not areas used for deep-sea fishing (trawlers, pot haulers, gill-netters). Only line vessels, fishing for sea bass, operate at the surface in these areas. The choice of installation sites for the turbine will be made in conjunction with professionals from the fishing industry so as to avoid disturbing spawning areas or generating conflicts of use.

 

 


NEWS

  • SABELLA is to take part in ICOE 2010 in Bilbao (Spain) in October 2010.
  • "Sabella D03" is temporarily on show at the ADEME Innovation Forum at the Cité des Sciences, Vilette - Paris on 23 June 2010.
  • SABELLA ENERGIE INC. was created in January 2010 in Canada to implement the development of tidal turbine technologies on the American continents.
  • SABELLA SAS responded to the AMI tender launched by ADEME to construct its demonstrator "D10". Response due in June 2010.

REFERENCES

  • SABELLA SAS received the award “Durable – ACTINE STRATEGIES” at INNOVACT 2009 in Reims.
140 bd. de Creac'h Gwenn - 29000 Quimper