Update on the large bulb units for the Sihwa tidal plant in Korea

A bulb-type turbine is an ideal choice for a tidal powerplant, but it should be taken into account that there are several differences compared with a run-of-river plant. On the one hand these differences are hydraulic, resulting from the very low and constantly varying head and high discharges or the fact that the turbines are also used as sluices. On the other hand, some differences arise especially on the mechanical and electrical side, from the fact that the machines are operating in sea water. This paper outlines some recent developments at the construction site of the worlds largest tidal powerplant which is currently under construction.