SeaQurrent

The system, illustrated above, comprises a TidalKite (1) that is connected by means of a (high tech cable) tether (2) to a power take off (PTO) (3). The PTO is fixed to the seabed by means of a Mooring Structure (4) and electricity is distributed to shore by an underwater electric export cable (5). The TidalKite itself is a single rigid, buoyancy-neutral and hydrodynamic device, consisting of a frame with multiple wings placed in tandem. The kite wings capture the water ﬂow, accelerating the kite through the water. The kite creates a huge lift force that is transferred via the tether to the power take-off. The power take-off comprises a hydraulic cylinder and a hydro motor-generator combination. The hydraulic cylinder is extracted by the traction force of the kite and the pressurised liquid is expanded over the hydro motor-generator combination, where clean electricity is generated. The electricity is transported via an underwater export cable to the grid.