"The giant turbine is expected to be environmentally benign due to a low rotation speed whilst in operation and will deliver predictable, sustainable power to the local Orkney grid." The turbine blades will only turn at a rate of 6 to 8 revolutions per minute.
The tidal turbine project is connected to a plan for a data center located in northern Scotland and intended to be powered entirely by tidal power. Tidal power offers a predicatable, reliable energy source. Water is 832 times as dense as air, making it possible to draw similar amounts of energy from a much smaller turbine unit. However, the harsh marine conditions that underwater equipment must face has made development of tidal energy a slower process.
Tidal energy generation currently needs headlands, islands, channels etc. to focus the power, accelerating it up to the cut in speeds of the current production tidal turbines (ie 2.6m/s in above article). These spots are the sweet spots where the first generation of tidal turbines will be tested. If they make it into mainstream volume production and become more efficient, more cost effective, etc. then they'll start working down to the lower speed sites of large ocean currents. Just the same way that the wind energy industry has developed. Tidal is currently 20-30 years behind wind energy industry but will potentially develop faster due to modern CFD, production technology and dual looming crises of peak oil and climate change. Tim Divett, PhD Student (Tidal Energy), University of Otago, New Zealand.
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Very interesting...looks intimidating. lol
ReplyDeleteThis just makes so much sense. Hope it catches on.
ReplyDeleteGreat I hope it works out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!- It's out of sight, so the NAMBY's can't complain. It turns slowly, so it won't churn the water and disturb sea life. It would probably actually attract barnacles and become part of the oceanic food chain- especially if properly designed! I love it!
ReplyDeleteFascinating. I never heard of this idea before but it makes a lot of sense. Tidal energy must be among the most powerful in the world.
ReplyDeleteD
I can see a few of those installed off our shores to take advantage of the Gulf Stream...how great is that?
ReplyDeletesaludos,
raulito
I'm really hoping all goes well with the project and this becomes an attractive way to provide energy. Lots of energy, low profile, and minimal danger to wildlife. It's a winning situation all around.
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