Wave and Tidal Power

A research paper submitted in partial fulfilment of the Requirements of the subject

BES 124 (Engineering Research)

To:

Engr. Alvin P. Miguel

Instructor

Department of Electrical Engineering

College of Engineering and Technology

Western Mindanao State University

By:

Lech H. Valdez

October 29, 2013

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October 29, 2013

Engr. Alvin P. Miguel, REE

Department of Electrical Engineering

College of Engineering and Technology

Western Mindanao State University

Normal Road, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City

Dear Engr. Miguel

In compliance to my academic requirement for the subject BES 124- Engineering

Research, I respectfully submit this report entitled “Wave and Tidal Power” for your review,

comment and approval.

I am expressing my willingness to present my views at a time most convenient to

you. Hoping that the above report will merit your consideration.

Thank you very much.

Very truly yours,

Lech H. Valdez

Student

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 PREFACE

The content of this research paper highlights the basic elements and understanding

about wave and tidal power. The primary objective is to provide fundamental knowledge,

appreciation and understanding among colleagues and students of electrical engineering as

a way to interact with the practitioners of the electrical engineering profession, our

instructors and professors to enhance learning.

Special thanks is given to our professors and instructors of Electrical Engineering of

the Western Mindanao State University, College of Engineering and Technology (CET),

whose untiring efforts patience and expertise have contributed and made our learning

experience more fruitful and challenging.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page.......................................................................................................1

Letter of Transmittal........................................................................................2

Preface..........................................................................................................3

Table of contents..........................................................................................4-5

Summary.......................................................................................................6

CHAPTER I

Introduction....................................................................................................

CHAPTER II

I. Wave Power................................................................................................8

II. How wave energy is harnessed.....................................................................9

III. Types of Wave Power Mechanism............................................................9-16

 Shoreline Locations

 Near Shoreline Locations

 Offshore Locations

IV. Costs......................................................................................................17

V. Renewable and Sustainable.........................................................................17

VI. Negative and Positive Impacts of Wave Power..........................................17-

18

Chapter III

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 I. Tidal Power................................................................................................19

II. How tidal energy is harnessed................................................................19-20

III. The Keys of Tidal Power Technologies.....................................................20-22

IV. Costs......................................................................................................23

V. Renewable and Sustainable.........................................................................23

IV. Negative and Positive Impacts of Tidal Power...............................................23

Conclusion.................................................................................................24

Acknowledgement.......................................................................................25

Bibliography / Reference..............................................................................26

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 Summary

Providing an exploration into the basics of wave and tidal power, this research

focuses on: term definitions, common motor types, operations, typical failures,

troubleshooting, and terminology from an asset efficiency view. After reading this article,

you will have a broad understanding of what motors are, and how to identify their many

components.

As non-renewable energy sources, such as coal, are being tapped out, new and

innovative ways of creating energy for our needs are being explored. Capturing energy from

the water is not a novel idea (I.e. dams), doing it with less of an impact on the environment

is. This is where tidal and wave energy comes in. In recent years there has been an

increase in exploring ways to harness the energy of the movement of water off shore in

ways that allow fish and boats to continue using the same area of water. Although tidal and

wave energy both come from the ocean, there is a distinction between the two forms of

technology in both how it is captured and how it is produced.

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 Chapter I

Introduction

It’s a plain fact that we are in a world where almost 80 percent of the demanding energy is

furnished by sources such as natural gas, coal, or oil, which are quickly being depleted as

well as being environmentally unfriendly. We have also developed some destructive

processes such as the nuclear power plants, which would also be a sword of Damocles of all

human beings. Luckily, we have already realized the importance of making an enormous

change in our way of life and our way of using the energy, so looking for renewable

resources to substitute current ones is much urgent for us. Tidal power is classified as a

renewable energy source, because tides are caused by the orbital mechanics of the solar

system and are considered inexhaustible within a human timeframe. Energy from tidal

power is also a form of pollution free energy, which has a lot of potential. Though these

potentials have not been fully realized yet, we can’t deny the advantage of such kind of a

renewable energy. Aside from tidal power, we will also be tackling about wave power. Wave

power refers to the energy of ocean surface waves and the capture of that energy to do

useful work. Sea waves are a very promising energy carrier among renewable power

sources, since they are able to manifest an enormous amount of energy resources in almost

all geographical regions.

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 Chapter II

I. Wave Energy

Wave power refers to the energy of the ocean surface waves and the capture of energy to

do useful work – including electricity generation, desalination and the pumping of water into

reservoirs. Wave power is distinct from Tidal power in that tidal power fluctuates daily.

Although wave power is not widely used only having a handful of test sites in the world it is

more consistent than tidal power.

Wave power could potentially yield more energy than tidal power, especially because it can

be exploited in many more locations. However, because wind is not predictable, waves are

not predictable and therefore energy harvested from waves is not predictable.

Waves

 The larger the wave, the more power

 Determined by height, speed, length & density of the water

 Determined by wind and sea floor dimensions

 North and South temperate zones are best source for capturing wave power due to

stronger winds during winter

 Wave power is strongest at surface and reduces with depth

 Wave power is expressed in kilowatts (kW) per meter

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II. How Wave energy is harnessed

Two types of systems

 Offshore systems in deep water, more than 141 feet deep

o Pumps that use bobbing motion of waves

o Hoses connected to floats on surface of waves. As float rises and falls, the hose

stretches and relaxes, pressurizing the water which then rotates a turbine

 Onshore systems are built along shorelines and harvest energy from breaking waves

o Oscillating water columns are built of concrete or steel and have an opening to

the sea below the waterline. It uses the water to pressurize an air column that is

drawn through the turbine as waves recede.

o A Tapchan is a tapered water system in sea cliffs that forces waves through

narrow channels and the water that spills over the walls is fed through a turbine.

o A Pendulor device is a rectangular box with a hinged flap over one side that is

open to the sea. Waves cause the flap to swing back and forth and this powers a

hydraulic pump and generator.

III. Types of Wave Power Mechanisms

The sea wave’s motion can be converted into mechanical energy by using proper wave

power mechanisms. There are currently about 40 types of mechanisms for exploiting the

energy available in waves, several of which are now being constructed. These devices are

generally categorized by location installed and power take-off system. Locations are

shoreline, nearshore and offshore. Power take-off systems can be oscillating column of

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water, underwater pneumatic systems, wave dragon system and oscillating bodies system.

Also these mechanisms can be lying on the bottom of the sea, on the shoreline and on sea

level. Description of these systems is following presented.

• Shoreline Locations

A. Oscillating Water Column

This system consists of a chamber built in shoreline cost with the layout shown in

figure 1. The motions of ocean/sea waves push an air pocket up and down behind a

breakwater. Then the air passes through an air turbine. Next, when the wave returns

to the sea, an air depression will circulate through the turbine in the opposite sense.

However, this turbine has been designed to continue turning the same way

irrespective of the direction of the airflow.

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 Fig. 1 Oscillating column of water system

B. Pendulum System

The Pendulum system is also installed in the shoreline and consists of a

parallelepiped concrete box, which is open to the sea at one end, as shown in figure

2.

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 Fig.2 Pendulum system

A pendulum flap is hinged over this opening, so that the actions of the waves cause

it to swing back and forth. This motion is then used to power a hydraulic pump and

an electric generator.

• Nearshore Locations

C. Offshore Wave Dragon System

Wave Dragon System is a floating slack-moored energy converter of the overtopping

type that can be displayed in a single unit or in arrays. Groups of 200 Wave Dragon

units result in a wave power park with a capacity comparable to a traditional fossil

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 fuel based power plant. The Wave Dragon system was the world’s first nearshore

wave energy converter producing power for the grid. The basic idea of this system

consists of two large "arms" that focus waves up a ramp into a reservoir. The water

returns to the ocean by the force of gravity via a low head hydro turbine which

drives an electric generator. Figure 3 illustrates this principle

Fig. 3 Wave Dragon System Principle

Wave Dragon is a very simple construction and only the turbines are the moving

parts. This is essential for any device bound for operating nearshore where the

extreme forces seriously affect any moving parts. In comparison with traditional

hydroelectric power stations, this new technology is competitive. Figure 4 shows a

photograph of the Wave Dragon system installed nearshore.

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 Fig. 4 Wave Dragon System Installation Nearshore

The Wave Dragon concept combines existing, mature nearshore and hydro turbine

technology in a novel way. Due to its size service, maintenance and even major

repair works can be carried out at sea leading to low cost relative to others systems.

• Offshore Locations

D. Power Buoy

This system utilizes the Power Buoy technology which consists of modular ocean-

going buoys, as shown in figure 11.The rising and falling of the waves moves the

buoy-like structure creating mechanical energy which is converted into electricity and

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 transmitted to shore by means a secure, undersea transmission line. A buoy with 40

kW power has a diameter of 4 m and is 16 m long, with approximately 5 m of the

unit rising

Fig. 5 Power Buoy

above the ocean surface. Using the three-point mooring system, they are designed

to be installed about 8 km offshore in water 40 to 60 m deep.

E. Salter’s Duck System

One of the first methods to extract mechanical energy from the waves was invented

in the 1970s by Professor Stephen Salter of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in

response to the Oil Crisis. A cross section of the Salter cam (or Duck) is shown in

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 figure 12 and can be moored, to distances of 80 km of the cost. The cam rotates

about its axis and is shaped to minimize back-water pressures.

Fig. 6 Salter’s Duck system

Conversion of the float movement into electrical energy is difficult because of the

slow oscillations. While it continues to represent the most efficient use of available

material and wave resources, the machine has never gone to sea, primarily because

its complex hydraulic system is not well suited to incremental implementation, and

the costs and risks of a full-scale machine would be high. Most of the prototypes

being tested absorb far less of the available wave power, and as a result their

mass/power ratio remain far away from the theoretical maximum.

F. Pelamis Wave Energy Converter

The Pelamis Wave Energy Converter, a Scottish invention, consists of six articulated

cylinders of 3.5 m in diameter and 30 m in length (floaters) articulated connected to

four cylinders of 3.5 m in diameter and 5 m in length (power modules) This

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 articulated structure with 140 m in a total length is placed 2/3 semi-submerged

offshore in deep waters, as shown in figure 13. Due to the waves, this structure up

and down and side to side as a sea snake (Pelamis in Greek).

Fig. 7 Pelamis Wave Energy Converter

IV. Costs

It costs too much for companies to develop the technology without grants or investors, so

many just decide not to go into this business. It is very difficult to develop the machinery

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that can withstand the force of the ocean, so it still remains a big risk to investors.

Conservative reports estimate the installed cost of wave energy exceeds $4000 per kW,

twice that of wind energy. Because the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requires

permits for wind energy, organizations that want to pursue this technology end up spending

hundreds of thousands of dollars on environmental studies, consultations and reports.

V. Renewable & Sustainable

Wave energy is renewable because it is replenished as it is used, in other words, the waves

will always wash ashore. Renewable sources of energy are considered sustainable resources

of energy, and are not expected to be depleted w/in the human timeframe. As waves are

based around wind & ocean topography, the likelihood of wave technology extending

beyond the human timeframe is good.

VI. Negative and Positive Impacts of Wave Power

Negative impacts

 Difficult to convert wave motion into electricity efficiently

 Difficult to design equipment that can withstand storm damage & saltwater corrosion

 Total cost of electricity is not competitive with other energy sources

 Pollution from hydraulic fluids & oils from electrical components

Positive Impacts

 Five to seven jobs created for each megawatt of installed wave energy capacity

 Wave energy leaves a small ecological footprint

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  Wave energy parks are not visible from the shoreline, making communities more

receptive to them than offshore wind energy projects

 In the Pacific Northwest, energy generated from the waves would be closer to the

population and therefore would not overburden scarce transmission capacity

 Also specific to the Pac NW, Oregon State University in Corvallis is at the forefront of

research on advanced technology for wave energy converters.

Chapter III

I. Tidal Energy

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All coastal areas experience high and low tide. If the difference between high and low tides

is more than 16 feet, the differences can be used to produce electricity. There are

approximately 40 sites on earth where tidal differences are sufficient. Tidal energy is more

reliable than wave energy because it based on the moon and we can predict them. It is

intermittent, generating energy for only 6-12 hours in each 24 hour period, so demand for

energy will not always be in line with supply.

Types of tidal energy

 Kinetic energy from the currents between ebbing and surging tides

o This form is considered most feasible

 Potential energy from height differences between high and low tide

II. How tidal energy is harnessed

Density of water is much higher than air, so ocean currents have much more energy than

wind currents.

 Barrage or Dam

o Using a dam to trap water in a basin, and when reaches appropriate height due

to high tide, release water to flow through turbines that turn an electric

generator.

 Tidal Fence

o Turnstiles built between small islands or between mainland and islands. The

turnstiles spin due to tidal currents to generate energy.

 Tidal turbine

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 o Look like wind turbines, often arrayed in rows but are underwater. Tidal currents

spin turbines to create energy

III. The Keys of Tidal Power Technologies

 Barrage or dam

A barrage or dam is typically used to convert tidal energy into electricity by forcing

the water through turbines, activating a generator. The basic components of a

barrage are turbines, sluice gates and, usually, slip locks, all linked to the shore with

embankments. When the tides produce an adequate difference in the level of the

water on opposite sides of the dam, the sluice gates are opened. The water then

flows through the turbines. The turbines turn an electric generator to produce

electricity.

 Tidal Fence

Tidal fences look like giant turnstiles. They can reach across channels between small

islands or across straits between the mainland and an island. The turnstiles spin via

tidal currents typical of coastal waters. Some of these currents run at 5–8 knots

(5.6–9 miles per hour) and generate as much energy as winds of much higher

velocity. Because seawater has a much higher density than air, ocean currents carry

significantly more energy than air currents (wind). Tidal fences are composed of

individual, vertical axis turbines which are mounted within the fence structure,

known as a caisson, and they can be thought of as giant turn styles which completely

block a channel, forcing all of the water through them as shown in figure 8.

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 Fig. 8 model of a tidal fence

Unlike barrage tidal power stations, tidal fences can also be used in unconfined

basins, such as in the channel between the mainland and a nearby off shore island,

or between two islands. As a result, tidal fences have much less impact on the

environment, as they do not require flooding of the basin and are significantly

cheaper to install. Tidal fences also have the advantage of being able to generate

electricity once the initial modules are installed, rather than after complete

installation as in the case of barrage technologies.

Tidal fences are not free of environmental as a caisson structure is still required,

which can disrupt the movement of large marine animals and shipping.

 Tidal turbine

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 Tidal turbines look like wind turbines. They are arrayed underwater in rows, as in some

wind farms. The turbines function best where coastal currents run at between 3.6 and

4.9 knots (4 and 5.5 mph). In currents of that speed, a 15-meter (49.2-feet) diameter

tidal turbine can generate as much energy as a 60-meter (197-feet) diameter wind

turbine. Ideal locations for tidal turbine farms are close to shore in water depths of 20–

30 meters (65.5–98.5 feet). There are different types of turbines that are available for

use in a tidal barrage. A bulb turbine is one in which water flows around the turbine. If

maintenance is required then the water must be stopped which causes a problem and is

time consuming with possible loss of generation. The La Rance tidal plant near St Malo

on the Brittany coast in France uses a bulb turbine. (Figure 9)

Fig. 9 Bulb Turbine

IV. Costs

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Doesn’t cost much to operate, but construction costs are high and lengthen payback

periods, so the cost per kW hour is not competitive.

V. Renewable & Sustainable

Tides are caused by mechanics within the solar system and are therefore inexhaustible. The

root source of tidal energy is the earth’s rotation, so as long as the earth keeps moving, we

will have tidal energy. Tidal power is sustainable because tides occur consistently four times

in a 24 hour period and return even if we harness the currents for energy.

VI. Negative and Positive Impacts of Tidal Power

Negative impacts

 Intermittent energy production based around tides creates unreliable energy source

 High construction costs

 Barrages can disrupt natural migratory routes for marine animals

 Barrages can disrupt normal boating pathways

 Turbines can kill up to 15% of fish in area, although technology has advanced to the

point that the turbines are moving slow enough not to kill as many

Positive Impacts

 Decrease reliance on coal driven electricity so less CO2 emissions

 Changing technology allowing quicker construction of turbines, which in turn

increases likelihood of investment with a shorter return.

 Once constructed, very little cost to run and maintain

Conclusion

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In the past decade, new technologies have been introduced to harness the energy of the

oceans waves, currents, and tides. Nearly 100 companies worldwide have joined this effort

but most companies struggle to deploy their first prototypes and not all can be funded from

the public sector. A viable strategy to help mature the marine renewable energy industry is

needed. One approach is to characterize technology status, performance, limits, and cost,

and to develop and validate design tools and standards to facilitate a fair and equitable

means for funding the most promising technologies. Performance, cost, and reliability

metrics should be established to guide the process. New ocean testing facilities should be

developed to facilitate rapid prototype deployment and testing. Finally, international

cooperation can accelerate the development and to achieve the critical deployment capacity

needed to bridge the gap from prototype to commercial maturity. Marine energy resources

have global significance and should be developed as part of a diverse clean energy portfolio

that will be necessary to reach expected future carbon reduction targets. No single energy

source will be able to achieve these reductions independently, and these resources can

make a significant contribution.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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 First of all I want to thank God for the guidance that I’ve asked from him that I’ll be

able to finish this research.

To my family whose unfading love and support motivated me to study hard and

helped me believe that I can achieve things through hard work and dedication. To my

friends who shared their views and opinions regarding the subject matter. To my

professors/instructors who imparted their knowledge and experience regarding the topic.

To all the people who helped me make this research possible, thank you and God

bless.

Bibliography/References

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http://www.exergy.se/goran/hig/ses/06/tidal.pdf

http://www.solar783.com/tidal.pdf

http://www.icrepq.com/icrepq-08/380-leao.pdf

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