ORPC was founded in 2004 and is based in Portland, Maine, USA. The ORPC team is developing hydrokinetic power systems for deployment in several project sites in North America, including the deployment of a single-device TidGen™ Power System.
ORPC Technology
The core technology component and “engine” for all of ORPC’s power systems is the proprietary turbine generator unit (TGU). The TGU produces electricity from water currents using dual advanced design cross flow (ADCF) turbines that drive an underwater permanent magnetic generator mounted between the turbines on a common shaft. The technology features a limited number of moving parts that do not use gears or petroleum-based lubricating fluids. The central engineering principles of the TGU address modularity, low revolutions per minute (RPM), minimal benthic impact, and the use of robust marine composite materials.
TidGen™ Power System
ORPC’s TidGen™ Power System is designed to generate electricity in water depths of 15 to 30 m for use at shallow tidal sites.
The TidGen™ Power System consists of one or more TidGen™ devices connected to an on-shore station using underwater power and data cables. Each TidGen™ device is made up of a TGU and a bottom support frame, which provides structural support for the TGU and holds it in place above the sea floor. The TidGen™ TGU is approximately 27 m long by 3 m wide by 3 m high, and the bottom support frame is approximately 20 m long by 14 m wide by 6 m high.
The TidGen™ TGU designed for deployment at a site in Cobscook Bay, Maine has a maximum design capacity of 180 kW, but will operate at a rated capacity of 60 kW at the site where tidal currents reach a maximum of 2.65 m/s. At Fundy Tidal berth sites, the electrical components used for deployment will be selected based on site characteristics. The TidGen™ Power System will be fully submerged, with no impact on the natural view shed and minimal effect upon marine traffic.