New Innovations In Tidal Energy
by Eric Kane, New York, NY on 11. 2.06
Although it gets considerably less mainstream media attention than solar and wind energy, tidal power could play an integral role in reducing our reliance on fossil generated power. As has been mentioned in these pages, New York City is currently testing tidal energy in its East River. Meanwhile a number of companies are working to improve the design and efficiency of tidal turbines. Blue Energy Technology and Marine Current Turbines Ltd are among those companies that are competing for market share. Backed by the Canadian National Research Council, Blue Energy Technology’s predecessor has been testing wave energy units since the early 1980s. Marine Current Technologies has installed an experimental 300 kW single 11 m diameter system off Lynmouth, Devon, UK. This project was installed in May 2003 with the support of the UK DTI, the European Commission, and the German Government. Both companies are working towards the installation of systems capable of generating up to 10 MW. Although tidal power remains in the early stages of development, its promising to see the introduction of new and competing designs.
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OMG! Look at those propeller blades! They'll kill all the birds...er...I mean fish!
:D
First, I believe tidal and wave power will be extremely important in our renewable energy future. 70% of the surface of the earth is covered in water. Water which is in constant movement in one way or other. There is tremendous potential.
Second, about the fish killing comment, I know it is a joke, but it brings to mind a point which has been at the back of my mind regarding wave and tidal power development. The more of these systems that are set up, the more 'safe zones' that will be established where certain types of destructive fishing methods will be precluded. These zones will provide areas where fish can breed and multiply unharmed and unmolested from voracious fishermen.
The problem with most of these reports is that power referred to is mechanical power and not electrical power as one might well assume. The tidal stream must be quite high at around 3m/s before the device can operate and generate electricity from the mechanical power on the shaft.
Like their land based cousin, the wind turbine, over 60% of the electrical power going through the output meter comes straight of the utility grid and comes out as 'green'
what about vertical-axis turbines or offshore turbines? are these being explored? barrages across estuaries can cause really negative effects for the entire surrounding ecosystem, especially the birds.
The fact of the matter is that the Tidal Turbines currently being tested in New York's east river and slow turning, blunt edged propellers. This in turn means that fish will by no means be harmed by this system. Not to meantion the fact that with these added systems to the US energy production, the need for burning fuels will go down.
whoever made this siye thanks its gonna help me with my project
and these turbines are gonna be humungously big....lol....
thanx its gonna prove usefull
I think these propellers are cool, and the way the pictures move freak me out.
What also freaks me out is how when I type something on the keyboard, it shows up on the screen, AND, when I put my hand on the mouse and move it, the cursor MOVES!!
JEEZUSS.