A London-based startup, Spiralis Energy, is poised to transform tidal energy with its revolutionary “screw-like” generator. Recently, the company proposed its innovative technology to the States of Alderney, responding to a call from the local government’s Energy Working Group. This group seeks to harness the powerful potential of tidal energy, generated by the natural ebb and flow of tides influenced by gravitational forces.
Bill Abel, leading the Energy Working Group, emphasized the vast renewable energy potential available from solar, wind, tidal, and wave resources. The initiative aims to reduce dependency on imported fuels, lower carbon footprints, and bolster clean energy infrastructure. Estimates suggest the Alderney area alone could generate up to 3 gigawatts of power from tidal sources.
Spiralis has already demonstrated its prototype, the Axial Skelter screw generator, through successful testing phases. Designed with a unique twist on the Archimedes screw principle, it harnesses energy as water flows through its spiraling form, aided by aerofoil sections to enhance torque and energy output. The company reports achieving 500 kilowatts of power during peak tidal flows.
What sets Spiralis apart is its sustainable approach: the Axial Skelter is constructed from recycled plastics and boasts a modular design that can be 3D-printed and assembled on-site. This innovation supports scalability and environmental responsibility by enabling parts to be melted down and reprinted for repairs or upgrades.
While other companies typically utilize propeller-based tidal turbines, Spiralis’ screw technology marks a significant departure in the field. The company aims to expand its operations, planning to install additional units off the Alderney coast as part of its roadmap toward building a comprehensive tidal-energy array by 2025.
Despite the challenges inherent in tidal power, Spiralis remains optimistic about the potential of its technology and continues to secure funding to advance its ambitious clean energy goals.
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