Oceanic Energy

Taken from Lecture material of:

Professor S.R. Lawrence
Leeds School of Business
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80305

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Course Outline

n Renewable n Sustainable
q Hydro Power q Hydrogen & Fuel Cells
q Wind Energy q Nuclear
q Oceanic Energy q Fossil Fuel Innovation
q Solar Power q Exotic Technologies
q Geothermal q Integration
q Biomass n Distributed Generation

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Oceanic Energy Outline

n Overview n Wave Energy

n Tidal Power q Technologies
q Technologies q Environmental
q Environmental Impacts
Impacts q Economics
q Economics q Future Promise
q Future Promise n Assessment

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Overview of Oceanic Energy

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 Sources of New Energy

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Global Primary Energy Sources 2002

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Renewable Energy Use – 2001

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
Tidal Power

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 Tidal Motions

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Tidal Forces

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Natural Tidal Bottlenecks

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
Tidal Energy Technologies

1. Tidal Turbine Farms

2. Tidal Barrages (dams)

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1. Tidal Turbine Farms

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 Tidal Turbines (MCT Seagen)

n 750 kW – 1.5 MW
n 15 – 20 m rotors
n 3 m monopile
n 10 – 20 RPM
n Deployed in multi-unit
farms or arrays
n Like a wind farm, but
q Water 800x denser than air
q Smaller rotors
q More closely spaced MCT Seagen Pile

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http://www.marineturbines.com/technical.htm
 Tidal Turbines (Swanturbines)

n Direct drive to generator

q No gearboxes
n Gravity base
q Versus a bored foundation
n Fixed pitch turbine blades
q Improved reliability
q But trades off efficiency

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http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/tidal.htm
 Deeper Water Current Turbine

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Oscillating Tidal Turbine

n Oscillates up and down

n 150 kW prototype
operational (2003)
n Plans for 3 – 5 MW
prototypes

http://www.engb.com

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Polo Tidal Turbine

n Vertical turbine blades

n Rotates under a
tethered ring
n 50 m in diameter
n 20 m deep
n 600 tonnes
n Max power 12 MW

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Power from Land Tides (!)

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http://www.geocities.com/newideasfromtelewise/tidalpowerplant.htm
 Advantages of Tidal Turbines

n Low Visual Impact

q Mainly, if not totally submerged.
n Low Noise Pollution
q Sound levels transmitted are very low
n High Predictability
q Tides predicted years in advance, unlike wind
n High Power Density
q Much smaller turbines than wind turbines for the
same power
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http://ee4.swan.ac.uk/egormeja/index.htm
Disadvantages of Tidal Turbines

n High maintenance costs

n High power distribution costs
n Somewhat limited upside capacity
n Intermittent power generation

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2. Tidal Barrage Schemes

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Definitions

n Barrage
q An artificial dam to increase the depth of water for
use in irrigation or navigation, or in this case,
generating electricity.
n Flood
q The rise of the tide toward land (rising tide)
n Ebb
q The return of the tide to the sea (falling tide)

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 Potential Tidal Barrage Sites

Only about 20 sites in the world have been identified as possible tidal barrage stations

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Schematic of Tidal Barrage

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Cross Section of a Tidal Barrage

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http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy_transport/atlas/htmlu/tidal.html
 Tidal Barrage Bulb Turbine

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Tidal Barrage Rim Generator

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Tidal Barrage Tubular Turbine

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 La Rance Tidal Power Barrage
n Rance River estuary, Brittany (France)
n Largest in world
n Completed in 1966
n 24×10 MW bulb turbines (240 MW)
q 5.4 meter diameter
n Capacity factor of ~40%
n Maximum annual energy: 2.1 TWh
n Realized annual energy: 840 GWh
n Electric cost: 3.7¢/kWh
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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004) Tester et al., Sustainable Energy, MIT Press, 2005
 La Rance Tidal Power Barrage

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http://www.stacey.peak-media.co.uk/Brittany2003/Rance/Rance.htm
La Rance River, Saint Malo

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 La Rance Barrage Schematic

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Cross Section of La Rance Barrage

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http://www.calpoly.edu/~cm/studpage/nsmallco/clapper.htm
La Rance Turbine Exhibit

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 Tidal Barrage Energy Calculations
R = range (height) of tide (in m)
A = area of tidal pool (in km2)
m = mass of water
g = 9.81 m/s2 = gravitational constant
r = 1025 kg/m3 = density of seawater
h @ 0.33 = capacity factor (20-35%)
E = hmgR / 2 = h ( rAR) gR / 2
E = 1397hR A kWh per tidal cycle
2

Assuming 706 tidal cycles per year (12 hrs 24 min per cycle)
E yr = 0.997 ´106hR 2 A
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Tester et al., Sustainable Energy, MIT Press, 2005
 La Rance Barrage Example
h = 33%
R = 8.5 m
A = 22 km2

E yr = 0.997 ´106hR 2 A
E yr = 0.997 ´10 (0.33)(8.5 )(22)
6 2

E yr = 517 GWh/yr

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Tester et al., Sustainable Energy, MIT Press, 2005
 Proposed Severn Barrage (1989)

Never constructed, but instructive

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
Proposed Severn Barrage (1989)

n Severn River estuary

q Border between Wales and England
n 216 × 40 MW turbine generators (9.0m dia)
n 8,640 MW total capacity
n 17 TWh average energy output
n Ebb generation with flow pumping
n 16 km (9.6 mi) total barrage length
n £8.2 ($15) billion estimated cost (1988)

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 Severn Barrage
Layout

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Severn Barrage Proposal
Effect on Tide Levels

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Severn Barrage Proposal
Power Generation over Time

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Severn Barrage Proposal
Capital Costs

~$15 billion
(1988 costs)

43
Boyle, Renewable
Tester et al., Sustainable
Energy,Energy,
OxfordMIT
University
Press, Press
2005 (2004)
 Severn Barrage Proposal
Energy Costs
~10¢/kWh
(1989 costs)

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Severn Barrage Proposal
Capital Costs versus Energy Costs

1p @ 2¢

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Offshore Tidal Lagoon

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Tidal Fence

n Array of vertical axis tidal

turbines
n No effect on tide levels
n Less environmental impact
than a barrage
n 1000 MW peak (600 MW
average) fences soon

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Promising Tidal Energy Sites

Country Location TWh/yr GW

Canada Fundy Bay 17 4.3
Cumberland 4 1.1
USA Alaska 6.5 2.3
Passamaquody 2.1 1
Argentina San Jose Gulf 9.5 5
Russia Orkhotsk Sea 125 44
India Camby 15 7.6
Kutch 1.6 0.6
Korea 10
Australia 5.7 1.9

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http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy_transport/atlas/htmlu/tidalsites.html
Tidal Barrage Environmental Factors

n Changes in estuary ecosystems

q Less variation in tidal range
q Fewer mud flats
n Less turbidity – clearer water
q More light, more life
n Accumulation of silt
q Concentration of pollution in silt
n Visual clutter

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 Advantages of Tidal Barrages

n High predictability
q Tides predicted years in advance, unlike wind
n Similar to low-head dams
q Known technology
n Protection against floods
n Benefits for transportation (bridge)
n Some environmental benefits

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http://ee4.swan.ac.uk/egormeja/index.htm
Disadvantages of Tidal Turbines

n High capital costs

n Few attractive tidal power sites worldwide
n Intermittent power generation
n Silt accumulation behind barrage
q Accumulation of pollutants in mud
n Changes to estuary ecosystem

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Wave Energy

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 Wave Structure

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Wave Frequency and Amplitude

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Wave Patterns over Time

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
Wave Power Calculations
Hs2 = Significant wave height – 4x rms water elevation (m)
Te = avg time between upward movements across mean (s)
P = Power in kW per meter of wave crest length
2
H T
P= s e
2
Example: Hs2 = 3m and Te = 10s

H T 3 ´10
2 2
kW
P= =s e
= 45
2 2 m

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 Global Wave Energy Averages

Average wave energy (est.) in kW/m (kW per meter of wave length)

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http://www.wavedragon.net/technology/wave-energy.htm
 Wave Energy Potential

n Potential of 1,500 – 7,500 TWh/year

q 10 and 50% of the world’s yearly electricity demand
q IEA (International Energy Agency)

n 200,000 MW installed wave and tidal energy power

forecast by 2050
q Power production of 6 TWh/y
q Load factor of 0.35
q DTI and Carbon Trust (UK)

n “Independent of the different estimates the potential

for a pollution free energy generation is enormous.”

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http://www.wavedragon.net/technology/wave-energy.htm
Wave Energy Technologies

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 Wave Concentration Effects

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Tapered Channel (Tapchan)

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http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/ocean.html
 Oscillating Water Column

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http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/uses/EnergyResources/Background/Wave/W2.html
 Oscillating Column Cross-Section

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 LIMPET Oscillating Water Column

n Completed 2000
n Scottish Isles
n Two counter-rotating
Wells turbines
n Two generators
n 500 kW max power

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 “Mighty Whale” Design – Japan

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http://www.jamstec.go.jp/jamstec/MTD/Whale/
 Might Whale Design

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Turbines for Wave Energy

Turbine used in Mighty Whale

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004) http://www.jamstec.go.jp/jamstec/MTD/Whale/
 Ocean Wave Conversion System

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http://www.sara.com/energy/WEC.html
Wave Conversion System in Action

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 Wave Dragon

Wave Dragon
Copenhagen, Denmark
http://www.WaveDragon.net

Click Picture for Video

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http://www.wavedragon.net/technology/wave-energy.htm
 Wave Dragon Energy Output

n in a 24kW/m wave climate = 12 GWh/year

n in a 36kW/m wave climate = 20 GWh/year
n in a 48kW/m wave climate = 35 GWh/year
n in a 60kW/m wave climate = 43 GWh/year
n in a 72kW/m wave climate = 52 GWh/year.

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http://www.wavedragon.net/technology/wave-energy.htm
 Declining Wave Energy Costs

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Wave Energy Power Distribution

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
 Wave Energy Supply vs. Electric Demand

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
Wave Energy
Environmental Impacts

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 Wave Energy Environmental Impact

n Little chemical pollution

n Little visual impact
n Some hazard to shipping
n No problem for migrating fish, marine life
n Extract small fraction of overall wave energy
q Little impact on coastlines
n Release little CO2, SO2, and NOx
q 11g, 0.03g, and 0.05g / kWh respectively

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)
Wave Energy
Summary

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 Wave Power Advantages

n Onshore wave energy systems can be incorporated

into harbor walls and coastal protection
q Reduce/share system costs
q Providing dual use
n Create calm sea space behind wave energy
systems
q Development of mariculture
q Other commercial and recreational uses;
n Long-term operational life time of plant
n Non-polluting and inexhaustible supply of energy

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http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/uses/EnergyResources/Background/Wave/W2.html
 Wave Power Disadvantages

n High capital costs for initial construction

n High maintenance costs
n Wave energy is an intermittent resource
n Requires favorable wave climate.
n Investment of power transmission cables to shore
n Degradation of scenic ocean front views
n Interference with other uses of coastal and offshore
areas
q navigation, fishing, and recreation if not properly sited
n Reduced wave heights may affect beach processes
in the littoral zone

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http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/uses/EnergyResources/Background/Wave/W2.html
 Wave Energy Summary

n Potential as significant power supply (1 TW)

n Intermittence problems mitigated by
integration with general energy supply
system
n Many different alternative designs
n Complimentary to other renewable and
conventional energy technologies

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http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/uses/EnergyResources/Background/Wave/W2.html
Future Promise

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 World Oceanic Energy Potentials (GW)

Source Potential (est) Practical (est)

n Tides n 2,500 GW n 20 GW
n Waves n 2,7003 n 500
n Currents n 5,000 n 50
n OTEC1 n 200,000 n 40
n Salinity n 1,000,000 n NPA4
n World electric2 n 2,800
n World hydro n 4,000 n 550
1 Temperature gradients 3 Along coastlines 4 Not presently available
2 As of 1998

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Tester et al., Sustainable Energy, MIT Press, 2005
 Solar Power – Next Week

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http://www.c-a-b.org.uk/projects/tech1.jpg