Strategies for marine tidal energy systems

Marine tidal energy is still a relatively new form of renewable energy. To harness the marine tidal energy, the methods used were similar to that of wind energy. Both involved the conversion of the kinetic energy of a flowing medium to useable electricity. Thus, many Marine Tidal Energy System (MTES) have their design based on wind energy systems. However, as MTES faced much harsher working environment there is a need for a holistic design of tidal generator and transmission system to allow considerable reduction in its complexity while being reliable and efficient. The purpose of this project was to review the existing MTES and available transmission systems before proposing an optimal MTES. After which the focus was on the marine tidal generator, where a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) was designed, simulated and optimized using RMxprt. The PMSG was further integrated with relevant power electronics in Simplorer to verify its workability. The optimal MTES that was proposed was to have a direct-drive PMSG connected to the grid through a HVDC-VSC transmission system. And the PMSG designed was found to be feasible with its efficiency above 90%. The results from this project have been encouraging and with further studies, the MTES can be further improved.Bachelor of Engineerin