7.4 Novel Tidal Energy Technologies

Tidal energy tech is getting creative! Kites, sails, and screws are joining the party, offering new ways to harness ocean power. These novel devices aim to be more efficient and eco-friendly than traditional turbines.

From oscillating water columns to overtopping devices, engineers are thinking outside the box. These innovations could revolutionize how we tap into tidal energy, making it a more viable and sustainable power source for the future.

Kite and Sail Devices

Tidal Kites

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  Frontiers | Towards Energy-Aware Feedback Planning for Long-Range Autonomous Underwater Vehicles View original

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  WES - Aerodynamic characterization of a soft kite by in situ flow measurement View original

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  WES - Aerodynamic characterization of a soft kite by in situ flow measurement View original

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  Frontiers | Towards Energy-Aware Feedback Planning for Long-Range Autonomous Underwater Vehicles View original

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  WES - Aerodynamic characterization of a soft kite by in situ flow measurement View original

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Top images from around the web for Tidal Kites

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  Frontiers | Towards Energy-Aware Feedback Planning for Long-Range Autonomous Underwater Vehicles View original

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  WES - Aerodynamic characterization of a soft kite by in situ flow measurement View original

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  WES - Aerodynamic characterization of a soft kite by in situ flow measurement View original

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  Frontiers | Towards Energy-Aware Feedback Planning for Long-Range Autonomous Underwater Vehicles View original

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  WES - Aerodynamic characterization of a soft kite by in situ flow measurement View original

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• Tidal kites are underwater devices that harness tidal currents to generate electricity
  • Consist of a wing or hydrofoil tethered to a fixed point on the seabed or a floating platform
  • The tidal current flows over the kite, generating lift and causing it to move in a figure-eight pattern
  • This motion is used to drive a turbine or generator, producing electricity
• Advantages of tidal kites include their ability to operate in deeper waters and their lower environmental impact compared to traditional tidal turbines (minimal seabed disturbance)
• Examples of tidal kite projects include Minesto's Deep Green technology and SeaQurrent's TidalKite

Tidal Sails

• Tidal sails are large, flexible structures that capture the energy of tidal currents
  • Typically made of lightweight, durable materials such as reinforced polymers or composite materials
  • Mounted on a fixed structure or a floating platform
• As the tidal current flows past the sail, it induces a pressure difference between the front and back surfaces, causing the sail to oscillate or flutter
• The oscillating motion is converted into electrical energy using a generator or a hydraulic system
• Tidal sails have a lower visual impact compared to traditional tidal turbines and can be easily deployed and maintained
• An example of a tidal sail project is the Tidal Sails Energy project developed by the University of Strathclyde and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)

Rotational Tidal Devices

Archimedes Screw

• The Archimedes screw is a helical device that harnesses the power of tidal currents or rivers to generate electricity
  • Consists of a large, spiral-shaped rotor mounted on a central shaft
  • As water flows through the screw, it causes the rotor to rotate, driving a generator to produce electricity
• Advantages of the Archimedes screw include its ability to operate in shallow waters and its fish-friendly design (allows fish to pass through safely)
• Archimedes screws are also used in pumping applications, such as drainage and irrigation
• An example of an Archimedes screw tidal energy project is the River Dart Archimedes Screw Hydro Scheme in the UK

Vortex-Induced Vibration Devices

• Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) devices exploit the natural phenomenon of vortex shedding to generate electricity from tidal currents
  • Consist of a bluff body (such as a cylinder) placed in the tidal flow
  • As the current flows past the bluff body, it creates alternating vortices on either side, causing the body to oscillate
• The oscillating motion is converted into electrical energy using a generator or a piezoelectric material
• VIV devices have a simple design and minimal moving parts, making them more reliable and easier to maintain compared to traditional tidal turbines
• An example of a VIV tidal energy project is the VIVACE (Vortex Induced Vibration Aquatic Clean Energy) system developed by the University of Michigan

Oscillating and Overtopping Devices

Oscillating Water Columns

• Oscillating water columns (OWCs) are devices that convert the energy of ocean waves into electricity
  • Consist of a partially submerged structure with an enclosed air chamber
  • As waves enter the chamber, they cause the water level to rise and fall, compressing and expanding the air inside
• The oscillating air flow drives a turbine, which in turn powers a generator to produce electricity
• OWCs can be fixed to the shoreline or integrated into breakwaters or other coastal structures
• Examples of OWC projects include the Mutriku Wave Energy Plant in Spain and the Pico Power Plant in Portugal

Overtopping Devices

• Overtopping devices capture the energy of ocean waves by allowing them to spill over into a raised reservoir
  • As waves approach the device, they surge up a ramp and into the reservoir
  • The collected water is then released back to the sea through a series of low-head turbines, generating electricity
• Overtopping devices can be floating or fixed to the seabed, and they are suitable for a wide range of wave conditions
• An example of an overtopping device is the Wave Dragon, a floating wave energy converter developed by Wave Dragon ApS

Dynamic Tidal Power

• Dynamic tidal power (DTP) is a concept that involves the construction of long dams or barriers perpendicular to the coast to capture the energy of tidal currents
  • The dams create a difference in water level between the two sides, which is used to drive turbines and generate electricity
  • DTP systems can also help protect coastal areas from flooding and erosion
• The feasibility of DTP depends on factors such as the tidal range, coastal topography, and environmental impact
• A proposed DTP project is the Dalupiri Blue Energy Project in the Philippines, which aims to construct a 30-kilometer tidal dam between the islands of Dalupiri and Samar