http://www.inthenews.uk.co, April 7, 2008
Planning permission has been granted by the Energy Secretary for a tidal stream generator to be tested in the Humber estuary, Stallingborough, United Kingdom.
When in the water the prototype model is estimated to generate up to 0.15MW and it will be one of the first tidal power machines to supply Great Britain’s national grid.
The generator will be positioned off the south bank of the Humber at Upper Burcom near Stallingborough.
It will work by extracting energy from underwater currents in a similar way to wind turbines.
Energy from tidal flows will power a pair of straight horizontal hydrofoils, 11m in length, which will move up and down like a dolphin’s tail.
If it is successful then it will be used to develop larger 1MW units which could be used in arrays generating up to 100MW each. This is enough to power the equivalent of 70,000 homes.
The project, developed by Pulse Tidal Ltd., has been given backing of £878,000 from the government.
“Our continued support for these emerging technologies is essential if the UK is to cement its position as a world leader in marine technologies,” said Energy Secretary John Hutton.
“I have made clear our commitments to renewable energy and to marine technologies. We will be doubling the support available for those technologies under the Renewables Obligation.
“This kind of tidal project, if proven, will go some way to helping the UK meet its ambitious targets for clean, green energy.”
The numbers do not stack up. A 1MW device will have to be over 25m wide – pace out 25m to see what I mean – so that it will work for short periods when the moon is in its first and third quarters (Neap tides).
During the nadir of neaps only 1/8 of the energy is available compared with the zenith of Spring tides during the New and Full moon.
No storage of Spring tides’ excesses to carry forward into Neaps is a fatal flaw in the design.
Perhaps a more imaginative approach is required here!
Hello, I developed back in 1978 the most advanced system of tidal power in the world. I have not told anyone and waited till now for its release, If anyone is interested in its production, I will consult free for its on-line status. Its simple, powerful and very green. It will power a whole city just off any coast line of about 1/2 mile free space.
Hello MJ
I have just started some research on this area and would be very interested to learn of the system you have developed
Thanks
John
I still do not understand the big deal behind the whole “green” agenda? I’ve noticed in New York’s East River a turbine generating electricity as the tide rolls in and out.