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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/Alstom Power bulb turbine
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Alstom Power bulb turbine
The name 'Bulb' comes from the shape of the upstream watertight casing which contains a generator located on a horizontal axis. Runner design is one of the most important tasks that Alstom carries out when optimising a unit for each project. Blades can be oriented by a moving servomotor cylinder located inside the runner hub. Runner hubs are filled with oil or water as a lubricant. Two radial bearings ensure the dynamic stability of the horizontal shaft line during operation. Alstom design concepts ensure reliability in all operating circumstances taking account of the Bulb unit’s sensitivity to instability and vibrations due to the horizontal position of the generator. They have been developed to handle conditions such as roundness and air gap concentricity, and have been successfully applied in bulb units up to 60 MVA. A draft tube gate provides a reliable protective system for bulb units.
Additional Information
Device Status
Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?
Inactive
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.
1600 KW
Surface ExpressionFalse
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 12 April 2022
8
Energy Resource
- Tidal
Water Column Position
Surface
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Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
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Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
3 June 2025
Projects Using Alstom Power bulb turbine
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Citation Formats
“Alstom Power bulb turbine.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Alstom_Power_bulb_turbine. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "Alstom Power bulb turbine." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Alstom_Power_bulb_turbine.
