ENERGY FROM THE TIDAL STREAM
AN 'INNOVATIVE' CONCEPT
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Unrestrained, any vessel will drift between 20km and 70km on one tide.
Restrained by the resistance of Energy Storage Flywheels (or Generators), 'power' can be extracted.
'ABUNDANT' ENERGY
(DEPENDING ON SIZE OF VESSEL)
AVAILABLE FOR APPROX. 2 HOURS
DURING PEAK TIDAL EBB OR FLOW
(APPROX. 8 HOURS / DAY)
EBB
When the sun doesn't shine
And the wind doesn't blow
The tides will be running
To and fro
FLOW
The potential energy from the above proposal can be calculated from the amount of surface area presented to the tidal stream, the speed of the tidal stream and to a lesser extent the kinetic energy of the drifting vessel. However, due to the many variables and unknowns in this proposal, small scale trials would be a cost effective method of 'proof of concept'.
The sustained torque (or MW) available at the pinion wheel drive shafts during maximum tidal ebb or flow would prove (or disprove) the concept.
Large or multiple parachute sea anchors are suggested for trials.
With the use of MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) for all design parameters, maximum efficiency can be achieved.
Low profile vessels would be less affected by wind.
Vessels are fitted with adjustable drag inducing surfaces or 'spoilers', in order to increase or decrease 'power'. These automatically controlled 'spoilers' could also be designed to reduce pitch, roll and yaw in rough sea conditions. These would also assist the vessel to follow a predetermined track thereby reducing the load on guides and cables.
The use of Energy Storage Flywheels for this proposal would have advantages.
1. Smooth out turbulent input.
2. Extend output at slack tide.
3. Stabilise output.
4. Power converted from energy storage flywheels by on-board generators only while stationary at slack tide i.e. shore connection attached only when stationary.
This proposal would be relatively inexpensive to develop, less restricted in location, does not require significant depth, easy for access and maintenance, could use existing vessels, less of a hazard to fish and other marine life and most importantly reliable.
Multiple 'HGU's' (Horizontal Gravity Units) operating at peak tidal ebb or flow positioned around our estuaries or inshore waters (well away from shipping lanes or navigation channels) would give continuous 'clean' power 24/7.
The term 'Horizontal Gravity Unit' has been used because 'Horizontal Gravity' from The Moon acts on all parts of Planet Earth twice a day and, of course, causes the tides.
The undersigned has not sought any Patent or Intellectual Property Rights. This proposal has been developing over the past 10 years and incorporates feedback from the academic community and others.
Robert Jones.
Retired Engineering Designer/Draughtsman, Surrey, UK.
RYA Yacht Day Skipper. UK PPL. US PPL.
Constructive comments or 'Business Angels' welcome.
October 2024.
SUGGESTION FOR TRIALS
Drive Unit(s) located on any offshore fixed platform (which could include redundant offshore oil rigs or offshore wind turbine support structure).
Large or multiple Parachute Sea Anchors 'driving' Energy Storage Flywheels or Generators during maximum tidal ebb or flow, collapsed and returned to platform by opposing Parachute Sea Anchor(s).
THERE WILL ,OF COURSE, BE TURBULENCE CAUSED BUT ZERO TURBULENCE = ZERO ENERGY.
TIDAL STREAMS ARE TOTALLY PREDICTABLE
REGARDLESS OF WIND, WAVES OR WEATHER
'TIDE IS KING'
CONCEPT, CONTENT, RHYMES & WEB DESIGN © 1995-2024 Robert C Jones