A 500-kilowatt (kW) tidal power prototype that could be scaled up for ocean use is set to be tested next August in the Strait of Messina.
If the trial is successful, an even more powerful tidal power plant could be ready for mass production in about five years time, and installed not just in the seas off Italy but also in the Gulf of Florida and other coastal sites with stronger currents, reported RenewableEnergyWorld.com. Tests so far of the Sea Power tidal device on open sea have been successful, according to Fri-El Green Power.
Sea Power can be used either for the exploitation of tides and oceanic circulations in the seas or for the exploitation of the natural flow of water in streams. The flow of water can either always maintain the same direction as it does in streams or in the Gulf Current or it may constantly change direction as it does in tidal streams.
The device is composed of a floating structure (vessel) and various horizontal axis turbines positioned at regular intervals on a horizontal, adjustable and modular tube. This tube also functions as transmission shaft for the power captured from water flows and transferred to the electric generator, which eventually transforms it into electrical energy.
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Published on Dec 4, 2008
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danielkgodon says ...
Very interesting to hear about a new ocean initiative in Europe. As a resident of the east coast of Florida, I am intrigued by the consideration of a test site on the Gulf of Florida. Don't know anthing about currents over there on the west coast of the state, in this case close to Sarasota. Know that the Gulf Stream, which runs off the southeastern coast of Florida is considered a prime site for tidal energy. Florida Atlantic University's Center for Ocean Technology has begun preliminary environmental testing before testing commercial developers' turbines in the power-rich Gulf Stream. For more on COET, see the Free Flow Files at blog.zwa-energy.com
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Greenheatman says ...
This is pretty lame engineering per se. There is no significant energy density in tidal streams across the whole lunar month. Even oceanic currents have low average velocities so enormous and expensive machinery is required to generate small amounts of usable electricity.
Wave power like my Gentec WaTS is the future.
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