Blind Channel is not connected to the BC Hydro grid. Diesel generators are therefore used to meet all electrical needs. Strong tidal currents that routinely reach water speeds of 6 knots flow 500m away from Blind Channel’s marina. Blind Channel therefore makes for an ideal site to demonstrate tidal turbines and associated power systems design to operate in remote communities. Mavi began working with Blind Channel to lay the groundwork for a tidal demonstration project back in 2015. Over the next two years, the team engaged with local stakeholders, obtained permits, and completed upfront engineering work ahead of a deployment.

The technical work included measurements of tidal currents to pinpoint the best deployment location, mapping of the seafloor to inform deployment of anchors and cable laying as well as developing a new power and energy management system capable of integrating tidal power with battery storage into the existing diesel grid.

The mooring system, cable and turbine were installed in June 2017. The baseline functionality of the system was demonstrated over the course of the summer. The turbine produced power into Blind Channel’s central AC grid and charged the batteries for short periods of time.

This was a pioneering project that successfully demonstrated many firsts including the ability to deploy the entire system in just four 1hr slack tide windows using local divers and a landing craft.

More work is required to achieve a fully autonomous hybrid tidal-diesel-battery system and showcase tidal energy as a reliable source of baseload power for remote communities.