NEPTUNE Deeptech of Stonehaven is almost certainly in line for a slice of the work generated by ScottishPower Renewables’ Pelamis P2 order as this company (formerly Ross Deeptech) has a long-running relationship with Pelamis. The company has played a central part in the manufacture of the prior five Pelamis machines – four P1 units, each of which is fitted with three power modules – and the first P2 unit, which features four power modules.
Basically, the P1 had three separate hinged joints; the P2 has four universal joints.
Whereas, in the P2, the power module was a short tube with a simple hinge joint at either end, in the P2, the module is integrated into the main tube structure.
The power module is the section of the machine that converts the energy absorbed from the joint into electricity. Neptune has done the fabrication for this to date. The P2 is rated at 0.75megawatts and Pelamis says it will deliver much improved lifecycle economic performance over earlier machines.
This order from ScottishPower Renewables will allow the company to operate and maintain a mini array of P2 machines at Emec in Orkney.