Integration of tidal power based-electrical plant into a grid

Environmental and economical pressures experienced in recent years, have led to the promotion of electricity generation from renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar and tidal. This paper reports the design and development of a prototype tidal power based-electrical plant. It outlines the basic principles of the Rotech Tidal turbine (RTT) for extracting tidal power, converting it to rotating mechanical power to drive a synchronous generator which outputs electrical power. The paper also discusses the design of the interfacing circuit between the plant and the grid with particular emphasis on the compliance to appropriate electrical standards which govern the integration of a renewable energy based power plant into a grid.