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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/APL Turbine-Lander
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APL Turbine-Lander
The Applied Physics Lab's (APL) Turbine-Lander system is designed to produce predictable amounts of power from currents in remote areas that lack cabled infrastructure. Power generation is ultimately dependent on site-specific conditions, and the Turbine-Lander is designed to generate power when currents are between approximately 1-2.5 m/s. The current housings are designed for deployments to depths up to 60 m. The Turbine-Lander is a ~1 m^2, 4-bladed cross-flow tidal turbine mounted on a bottom lander structure that supports all the power electronics. The whole system weights 2350 kg in air and 1670 kg in water.
System development & testing
Vessel-based testing of the Turbine-Lander power take-off (PTO) and rotor were performed in 2021 and 2022 on R/V Russell Davis Light. This included deployment for seven days from an APL research vessel (R/V Light) while moored in Agate Passage, WA, in April 2022. Water-to-wire efficiencies vary with inflow velocities due to losses in components like the seals and generator. However, peak efficiencies, defined as the proportion of available mechanical power converted to electric power, are approximately 25%. This corresponds to peak power production exceeding 1 kW for currents at a rated speed of 2.5 m/s. Endurance testing of the Turbine-Lander PTO and rotor at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Sequim bay test site at the Marine and Coastal Research Lab in Sequim, WA, wrapped up in March 2024.
Additional Information
Device Status
Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?
Active
Technology Type
Power Take-Off
Mechanism that converts the motion of the prime mover into a useful form of energy such as electricity, learn more
Direct Drive Generator
Max Rated Power Capacity
The maximum amount of electricity that can be produced by the device, as rated by the manufacturer.
1 KW
Surface ExpressionFalse
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 31 March 2024
7
Energy Resource
- Tidal
Water Column Position
Surface
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Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
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Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
2 June 2025
Test Sites where APL Turbine-Lander was tested
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Citation Formats
“APL Turbine-Lander.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/APL_Turbine-Lander. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "APL Turbine-Lander." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/APL_Turbine-Lander.
