BLIND CHANNEL

PROJECT

The Blind Channel Tidal Energy Demonstration Centre in British Columbia aims to integrate Tidal Energy Converters (TECs) into community-scale renewable energy systems. Tidal energy harnesses predictable currents and has shown promise since the 1970s. Mavi Innovations deployed a 25 kW TEC at Blind Channel in 2017 and operated for several months, and now with the support of PRIMED, they plan to re-develop it into a regional test center. The project will demonstrate a hybrid renewable energy system using tidal, solar, and diesel power, promoting the transition from diesel to renewable sources for coastal communities.

THE SITE

A MAP OF THE SITE

PRIMED Research

behind the scenes

Blake Holowaty

"This is a model of a catamaran style floating tidal energy platform which will be used in Blind Channel to support a vertical axis turbine"

What is this?

"I worked on the layout of the electrical cabinets, initial debris deflector analysis (i.e, weight, volume, and buoyancy calculations), mooring line design, and hydrodynamic response simulations of the platform and mooring assembly."

What research did you work on?

"The circular crossbeam that spans the width of the platform is key to accommodate vertical axis turbines. The intention is that the crossbeam mounting bracket can be used interchangeably for turbine developers seeking power output validation of their turbine design."

Why this design?