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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/GKinetic 12 kW Tidal Turbine
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GKinetic 12 kW Tidal Turbine
The GKinetic 12 kW tidal turbine concept involves two cross-flow turbines placed on either side of a buoyant vessel with an airfoil shape (the foil's leading edge is perpendicular to seafloor and faces the incoming water flow). This unique shape of the vessel increases the speed of water into the turbines. The combination of the accelerated flow along with a patented blade pitch control system results in higher power outputs. There are no major civil works required, the device can simply be anchored in the water flow. Grant funding from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) supported the deployment of the GKinetic turbine at the Limerick Docks for two sets of tests. The first series took place between October 2015 and January 2016, the second between August and October 2017. The 150 tow tests were completed with a total towing recording time of 843 minutes. In 2022, GKinetic concluded a pivotal deployment of its market ready, 12 kW unit at Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. This whole system can operate in water depths as low as 1.4 m, has a rated speed of 2.2 m/s, a cut-in speed of 0.6 m/s, a cut-out speed of 3.3 m/s, and weights 2 tons. In addition to the 12 kW unit, GKinetic also has a 3 kW market ready unit, and their strategic partner, DesignPro Renewables, is testing and commercializing 25 kW and 60 kW units.
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.
12 KW
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 9 May 2022
8
Energy Resource
- Tidal
- Riverine
Water Column Position
Surface
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Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
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Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
10 April 2025
Test Sites where GKinetic 12 kW Tidal Turbine was tested
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Citation Formats
“GKinetic 12 kW Tidal Turbine.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/GKinetic_12_kW_Tidal_Turbine. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "GKinetic 12 kW Tidal Turbine." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/GKinetic_12_kW_Tidal_Turbine.
