Elements of Tidal-Electric Engineering

The first text to cover all stages of a tidal-electric feasibility study

 

As interest in tidal-electric power generation continues to grow in response to demands for renewable sources of energy, readers can now turn to Elements of Tidal-Electric Engineering for the first comprehensive treatment of the subject. The author, Robert H. Clark, a leader in the field for almost fifty years, has spearheaded several important research projects and consulted with governments and private industries around the world on tidal-electric issues.

The focus of this text is the feasibility study. Power engineers gain both the knowledge and the skills needed to accurately determine the feasibility of a proposed tidal power development plan, including:

• Major factors to consider in selecting a site for preliminary assessment
• Tidal power schemes and mode
• Hydraulic and mathematical models of estuaries to predict the estuary's response to physical changes and the effects caused by operation of the proposed plant
• Civil works required for tidal power development and the associated tidal generating equipment
• Procedures to optimize plant output
• Economic evaluation and risk assessment
• Environmental impact of proposed construction and operation

The book ends with an examination of commercially operating plants and a brief review of sites that have been the subject of investigation in the last half century. References and bibliographies direct readers to primary source material for further study.

Until publication of this text, power engineers have had to rely on random journal articles and anecdotal information to perform a feasibility investigation. With the publication of Elements of Tidal-Electric Engineering these engineers have a single, integrated source that methodically covers all the issues.

Table of contents:

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

1 Historical Development.

2 Tidal Phenomenon.

2.1 Introduction.

2.2 Ocean Tides.

2.3 Types of Tides.

2.4 Propagation of Tides in Estuaries.

2.5 Coriolis Effect.

2.6 Barrage Effects.

3 Tidal Power Potential and Site Selection.

3.1 Hydroelectric Versus Tidal-Electric Developments.

3.2 Site Potential Estimation.

3.3 Coeffi cient of the Tide.

3.4 Major Factors Infl uencing Project Economics.

3.5 Site Selection.

4 Management and Organization of Investigations.

4.1 Management.

4.2 Organization.

4.3 Feasibility Studies.

5 Tidal Power Schemes and Modes of Operation.

5.1 Single-Basin Development, Single-Effect Mode of Operation.

5.2 Single-Basin Development, Double-Effect Mode of Operation.

5.3 Pumping to Augment Tidal-Effect.

5.4 Linked-Basin Developments.

5.5 Paired-Basin Developments.

5.6 Retiming of Tidal Energy.

6 Basic Data.

6.1 Introduction.

6.2 General Physiography of the Estuary.

6.3 Geology.

6.4 Tides.

6.5 Waves.

6.6 Tidal Currents.

6.7 Suspended and Mobile Sediments.

6.8 Ecosystem Characteristics.

7 Hydraulic and Numerical Models in Feasibility Investigations.

7.1 Introduction.

7.2 Hydraulic Models.

7.3 Numerical Models for Estuaries.

7.4 Hybrid Models.

7.5 Modeling of Barrier Effects.

7.6 Mathematical Model for Closure Activities.

7.7 Utility System Planning and Simulation.

8 Civil Works for Tidal Power Development.

8.1 Introduction.

8.2 Dry Versus Wet Construction.

8.3 Design Parameters.

8.4 Caisson Design.

8.5 Dikes.

8.6 Construction Schedules.

9 Electromechanical Equipment for a Tidal Plant.

9.1 Introduction.

9.2 Specifi c Requirements for Tidal Generating Equipment.

9.3 Types of Turbines.

9.4 Generators.

9.5 Electrical Equipment.

9.6 Transmission.

10 Optimization of Plant Output.

10.1 Principal Variables.

10.2 Energy Production and Optimization.

10.3 Simulation of Operation.

10.4 Development of Models.

10.5 Plant Optimization.

11 Integration of Output with Electric Utility Systems.

11.1 Introduction.

11.2 Absorption of Raw Tidal Energy.

11.3 Enhancing Raw Tidal Energy Output.

11.4 System Considerations.

12 Economic Evaluation.

12.1 Introduction.

12.2 Economic Cost Parameters.

12.3 Economic Analysis.

12.4 Sensitivity Analysis.

12.5 Risk Assessment.

13 Social and Regional Impacts.

14 Environmental Aspects.

14.1 Unique Effects.

14.2 Agricultural Aspects.

14.3 Floods and Drainage.

14.4 Birds.

14.5 Fish and Fisheries.

14.6 Recreation and Tourism.

14.7 Transportation.

14.8 Summary.

15 Existing Tidal-Electric Developments.

15.1 La Rance Tidal-Electric Plant.

15.2 Jiangxia Tidal-Electric Plant.

15.3 Kislaya Guba Experimental Plant.

15.4 Annapolis Tidal-Electric Plant.

16 Potential Developments.

16.1 Argentina.

16.2 Australia.

16.3 Brazil.

16.4 Canada.

16.5 Canada–United States.

16.6 China.

16.7 France.

16.8 India.

16.9 Korea.

16.10 Mexico.

16.11 Russian Federation.

16.12 United Kingdom.

16.13 United States.

Appendix A: Tidal Generation Optimization Models.

Glossary of Terms.

References.

Bibliography.

Index.