Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) selected AEC Engineering to help design/build the controls for their Modular RivGen systems scheduled for testing in Millinocket, ME later this year. ORPC’s Modular RivGen Power System is designed to produce clean, renewable power from the energy in moving water.
The Modular RivGen Power System consists of a deployed Turbine Generator Unit (TGU), its mooring system, a power and data transmission cable, and an onshore power electronic (SCADA) shore station.
The Modular RivGen system consists of multiple TGU assemblies that generate power from river currents. Multiple TGU’s form an array. Each array unit is installed as a mechanically and electrically integrated system. Power is transmitted through separate power conductors to shore. Transmitted power is converted to grid acceptable power onshore using a regenerative VFD or combination VFD and Inverter. Alternatively, power conversion may be determined by the end user and the specific use case. Each TGU has an on-board Sensor Integration Module (SIM). The SIM is a subsea rated air-filled enclosure containing network switches, extended ethernet I/O and, power and sensor conditioning components.
In 2022, ORPC’s RivGen Power System, operated in partnership with the Village of Igiugig, Alaska, became the longest operating hydrokinetic project in the Americas. It provides baseload renewable power from the free-flowing Kvichak River to the remote community. Read more about ORPC’s using Maine companies.
