scholarly journals Wave and tidal energy: the potential for extraction of sustainable energy from the ocean

2014 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Timothy D. Finnigan
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Surface Waves ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Tidal Energy ◽  
Thermal Gradients ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Ocean Energy ◽  
Global Population

The ocean represents an enormous store of renewable energy – far more than could ever be used by the global population. The challenge is: how do we go about extracting this energy in a sustainable and economical way? It is the sun and the moon that give us this energy, in the form of waves, tides and thermal gradients. The amount of energy stored in the ocean, and continually replenished by the sun and moon, is well quantified, and certifiably massive. Despite decades of effort, attempts to extract meaningful quantities of energy from these ocean sources continue to be met with monumental challenges. Given the anticipated growth in energy demand, and continuing concern with the use of fossil fuels, it is now time to push through the barriers. The most widespread and easily tapped sources of ocean energy are surface waves and tidal currents. This presentation will focus on these two sources only.

A Review on the Development of Tidal Energy in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 953-954 ◽  
pp. 637-649
Author(s):  
Xiao Qing Cheng ◽  
Xi Zhang ◽  
Li Xin Yi
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Time History ◽  
Tidal Energy ◽  
Ocean Energy ◽  
Tidal Power ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Tidal Power Generation

The global economic and social developments depend largely on fossil fuels nowadays. To cope with energy crisis and environment problems caused by consumption of fossil fuels, the renewable energy exploitation is an alternative path. As one kind of renewable ocean energy which can be applied into production, tidal energy is mainly utilized in electricity generation. China has abundant tidal energy resource, which mainly distribute in the southeast coastal areas where power supply is insufficient. China's tidal power generation started in 1958, and some experience and technologies have been accumulated from the long-time history of tidal power station construction and operation. At present, China’s tidal energy’s development and utilization are still in low level, and remain plagued by several challenges, such as high cost, and insufficiency of preferential policies and regulations. While, China's tidal power generation must be very promising in the foreseeable future, with a great deal of attention paid to the utilization of renewable energy and the perception of sustainable development.

The Siren Song of Renewable Energy

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael H. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Water Heater ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Energy Needs

Renewable energy from the sun—which includes solar, wind, and water energy— can meet all of our energy needs and will allow us to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels for electricity production. At least, that is the “Siren song” that seduces many people. Amory Lovins, the head of the Rocky Mountain Institute, has been one of the strongest proponents of getting all of our energy from renewable sources (what he calls “soft energy paths”) (1) and one of the most vociferous opponents of nuclear power. A recent article in Scientific American proposes that the entire world’s needs for power can be supplied by wind, solar, and water (2). Is this truly the nirvana of unlimited and pollution-free energy? Can we have our cake and eat it, too? Let’s take a critical look at the issues surrounding solar and wind power. Let me be clear that I am a proponent of solar energy. I built a mountain cabin a few years ago that is entirely off the grid. All of the electricity comes from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with battery storage. The 24 volt DC is converted to AC with an inverter and is fed into a conventional electrical panel. It provides enough energy to power the lights, run a 240 volt, three-quarter horsepower water pump 320 feet deep in the well, and electrical appliances such as a coffee pot, toaster, and vacuum cleaner. But I am not implying that all of my energy needs come from solar. The big energy hogs—kitchen range, hot water heater, and a stove in the bedroom—are all powered with propane. Solar is not adequate to power these appliances. In 2010 I also had a 2.5 kW solar PV system installed on my house that ties into the utility grid. When the sun is shining, I use the electricity from the solar panels, and if I use less than I generate, it goes out on the grid to other users. If it does not produce enough for my needs, then I buy electricity from the grid.

Renewable and non-renewable energy consumption and economic growth in the US: A Markov-Switching VAR analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 0958305X2094403
Author(s):  
Emrah Ismail Cevik ◽  
Durmuş Çağrı Yıldırım ◽  
Sel Dibooglu
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
The United States ◽  
Renewable Energy Consumption ◽  
Causality Test ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Us

We examine the relationship between renewable and non-renewable energy consumption and economic growth in the United States. While the regime-dependent Granger causality test results for the non-renewable energy consumption and economic growth suggest bi-directional causality in both regimes, we cannot validate any causality between renewable energy consumption and economic growth. The US meets its energy demand from non-renewable sources; as such, renewable energy consumption does not seem to affect economic growth. Given the efficiency and productivity of renewable energy investments, we conclude that it is worthwhile to consider renewable energy inputs to replace fossil fuels given potential benefits in terms of global warming and climate change concerns. In this regard, increasing the R&D investments in the renewable energy sectors, increases in productivity and profitability of renewable energy investments are likely to accrue benefits in the long run.

scholarly journals The Systematic Study of the Feasible Photovoltaics in Eastern Kentucky

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanghyun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Eastern Kentucky ◽  
Run Off

Photovoltaics (PV-also called solar photovoltaic devices) are used to harness the power of the sun via the electronic process that occurs within semiconductor cells. The solar energy is absorbed by the cells, which causes the electrons to break away from their atoms, allowing them to flow within the material to produce electricity. This electricity will become the renewable energy for Kentucky, as the generation of coal will but come to a stop within the near future. Like Denmark who is running on 100% renewable generation we must stride to become fully operational on solar. In the present work, we systematically studied about renewable energy resources, in particular, solar energy for the application of photovoltaic panels in Eastern Kentucky. By analyzing data from our PV cells at Morehead State University designed to follow the direction of the sun for optimized output and by incorporating MPPT charge controllers, we have constructed a maximum power algorithm that performs best for the location. Utilizing these, measurements of daily electricity production in comparison to the average power needed for household use has validated our research. With the advancements in solar cell technology what was once impossible is now reality, as solar power can easily power this region based on our data. Knowing this, being a prime location we can now push to enable the advancement of renewable energy production and become less dependent on fossil fuels, thus creating an infrastructure that will run off solar power.

scholarly journals Can the 1.5 ℃ warming target be met in a global transition to 100% renewable energy?

AIMS Energy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1170-1191
Author(s):  
Peter Schwartzman ◽  
◽  
David Schwartzman ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Climate Mitigation ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation

<abstract> <p>First, we recognize the valuable previous studies which model renewable energy growth with complete termination of fossil fuels along with assumptions of the remaining carbon budgets to reach IPCC warming targets. However, these studies use very complex combined economic/physical modeling and commonly lack transparency regarding the sensitivity to assumed inputs. Moreover, it is not clear that energy poverty with its big present impact in the global South has been eliminated in their scenarios. Further, their CO<sub>2</sub>-equivalent natural gas emission factors are underestimated, which will have significant impact on the computed greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, we address this question in a transparent modeling study: can the 1.5 ℃ warming target still be met with an aggressive phaseout of fossil fuels coupled with a 100% replacement by renewable energy? We compute the continuous generation of global wind/solar energy power along with the cumulative carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in a complete phaseout of fossil fuels over a 20 year period. We compare these computed emissions with the state-of-the-science estimates for the remaining carbon budget of carbon dioxide emissions consistent with the 1.5 ℃ warming target, concluding that it is still possible to meet this warming target if the creation of a global 100% renewable energy transition of sufficient capacity begins very soon which will likely be needed to power aggressive negative carbon emission technology. The latter is focused on direct air capture for crustal storage. More efficient renewable technologies in the near future will make this transition easier and promote the implementation of a global circular economy. Taking into account technological improvements in 2<sup>nd</sup> law (exergy) efficiencies reducing the necessary global energy demand, the renewable supply should likely be no more than 1.5 times the present level, with the capacity to eliminate global energy poverty, for climate mitigation and adaptation.</p> </abstract>

scholarly journals How Can We Use Ocean Energy to Generate Electricity?

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Luisa Martínez ◽  
Rodolfo Silva ◽  
Janaina Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Water Temperature ◽  
Electric Power ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Ocean Energy ◽  
Waves And Tides ◽  
The Waves

The oceans represent almost 70% of the surface of our planet, and they are in constant movement through waves, tides, and currents. These movements are formed differently: waves develop because of the action of the wind; tides because of the moon and the sun, and currents because of differences in water temperature and the rotation of the planet. Ocean movements bring food and oxygen to the plants and animals that live in the oceans and on the coasts. Waves and tides also help shape the coastline by erosion and accumulation of sand. Ocean movement is also important for humans: we have fun swimming in the waves, the tides help with fishing, and the currents are useful for moving ships across the ocean. This unending movement of the ocean can also be used to produce clean, renewable electric power.

Ocean Energy

2022 ◽  
pp. 173-207
Author(s):  
Umesh Agarwal ◽  
Naveen Jain ◽  
Manoj Kumawat
Keyword(s):  
Global Warming ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Ocean Energy ◽  
Market Report ◽  
Energy Information

Until the middle of 20th century, there was a strong conviction that the next century would be the age of renewable and nuclear energy resources. However, at present, the whole world is dependent on fossil fuels to satisfy their energy need. Environmental pollution and global warming are the main issues associated with the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation. As per the report of US Energy Information IE Outlook 2016, coal, natural gas, and petroleum share nearly 67.2% of global electricity generation whereas renewable energy shares only 21.9%. This share is only one-fifth of the global electricity demand. According to the IEA 2016 Medium Term Renewable Energy Market Report, worldwide power production capacity of marine was only 539 MW in 2014, and to reach at a level of 640 MW, it will take 2021. The oceans cover about 70% of the Earth and acts as the largest thermal energy collector. A recent study reveals that global development capability of ocean energy is approximated to be 337 GW, and more than 885 TWH of electricity can be produced from this potential.

scholarly journals Potential of Renewable Energy Sources usage in an energy demand of a single-family houses neighbourhood, constituting an Energy Cluster – a case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 172 ◽  
pp. 25004
Author(s):  
Marcin Zygmunt ◽  
Dariusz Gawin
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Building Energy Efficiency ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Profitability Analysis ◽  
Energy Cluster

Worldwide policy referring to global warming and air pollution assumes several main guidelines, in which Renewable Energy Sources (RES) usage simultaneously with limitation of fossil fuels in energy production seems to be a major goal. Nowadays, the continuous growth of RES usage within final energy consumption is becoming an obvious part of many country’s development. Adding to that relentless pursuit for improvement of building energy efficiency results in prediction, that in nearest future one should expect the development of advanced city-scale areas constituting an Energy Cluster. The paradigm of Energy Cluster (EC) allows us to define an energy flexibility neighbourhood. This article presents the results of energy analysis of a model neighbourhood of single-family houses with possible usage of RES. The neighbourhood constituting an EC was defined considering the Polish household sector statistical study. The analyzed area consists of representative single-family houses of Poland, characterized by different built periods, building shape and geometry as well as building enclosure parameters. Within the analysis, a detailed examination of a defined EC was performed by means of TEAC – computer tool developed by authors. TEAC is based on the results of energy simulations obtained by means of Energy Plus software and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) usage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was used for energy demand predictions of buildings. Among possible RES a detailed analysis of solar and wind energy usage was performed. As a result, we obtained an hourly energy demand space- and time distribution, RES outputs, ecological analysis concerning greenhouse gasses emission and profitability analysis of proposed modernizations for the neighbourhood.

scholarly journals The Potential for Integration of Wind and Tidal Power in New Zealand

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navid Majdi Nasab ◽  
Jeff Kilby ◽  
Leila Bakhtiaryfard
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Hybrid System ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Tidal Energy ◽  
Tidal Power ◽  
Suitable Alternative

This research focuses on proposing and evaluating an optimized hybrid system of wind and tidal turbines operating as a renewable energy generating unit in New Zealand. Literature review indicates increasing worldwide investment in offshore renewable energy in recent years. Offshore energy shows a high potential as an alternative energy generation solution to that of fossil fuels. Using the capacities of wind and tidal power in renewable technologies would be a suitable alternative for fossil fuels and would help prevent their detrimental effects on the environment. It is a cost-effective procedure for the power generation sector to maximize these renewables as a hybrid system. At the design phase, turbine types appropriate to environmental conditions for an area with high wind speed and tidal flow need to be considered. When selecting which turbines should be used, horizontal or vertical axis, number and length of blades, and optimized rotational speed are all important to get maximum capacity from either the wind or tidal energy for the hybrid system. Comprehensive simulation models of the hybrid system are now being set up, using several available commercial software packages such as QBlade, Simulink, and RETScreen. Several different parameters will be required for these simulation models to run in order to test performance, capacity and efficiency of the proposed hybrid system. To decide which regions are suitable for the hybrid system, it will be necessary to analyze available wind and tide records from NIWA, and online databases such as GLOBAL ATLAS. This next phase of research will aim to create optimized scenarios for the hybrid model by considering the effect of wind and water speed on performance. After deciding which region and scenarios are suitable, it will also be necessary to evaluate the costs and returns of a hybrid system. This final phase will be performed using the RETScreen simulation model.

Prospects of ocean-based renewable energy for West Africa’s sustainable energy future

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayokunle Adesanya ◽  
Sanjay Misra ◽  
Rytis Maskeliunas ◽  
Robertas Damasevicius
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Ocean Energy ◽  
African Region ◽  
The West ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe limited supply of fossil fuels, constant rise in the demand of energy and the importance of reducing greenhouse emissions have brought the adoption of renewable energy sources for generation of electrical power. One of these sources that has the potential to supply the world’s energy needs is the ocean. Currently, ocean in West African region is mostly utilized for the extraction of oil and gas from the continental shelf. However, this resource is depleting, and the adaptation of ocean energy could be of major importance. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the possibilities of ocean-based renewable energy (OBRE) and analyze the economic impact of adapting an ocean energy using a thermal gradient (OTEC) approach for energy generation.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is conducted from the perspective of cost, energy security and environmental protection.FindingsThis study shows that adapting ocean energy in the West Africa region can significantly produce the energy needed to match the rising energy demands for sustainable development of Nigeria. Although the transition toward using OBRE will incur high capital cost at the initial stage, eventually, it will lead to a cost-effective generation, transmission, environmental improvement and stable energy supply to match demand when compared with the conventional mode of generation in West Africa.Practical implicationsThis study will be helpful in determining the feasibility, performance, issues and environmental effects related to the generation and transmission of OBRE in the West Africa region.Originality/valueThe study will contribute toward analysis of the opportunities for adopting renewable energy sources and increasing energy sustainability for the West Africa coast regions.

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