Discussion Notes - Wave/Tidal Energy - January 22, 2008

 

What we had done during the week

-     met with Melissa from ASUCLA

-     started process of making club official

Plan of Actions:

-     make constitution with help from:

o    Alex

o    Eddison

-     change website

Renewablefeed.googlepages.com

 

Topics Discussed:

Portugal is developing an buoy that generates electricity by bobbing up and down. This is developed in Northern Portugal by a company called  Enerisis.

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/pelamis-offshore-wave-energy-portugal/

 

Engineers are developing a large scale turbine projection in the East river by Manhattan. The power of the river actually was stronger than anticipated, and the wave power sheered off the propellers in the turbine.

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/18567/

 

Tidal systems harness energy by building a barrier across the mouth of an estuary or inlet. Turbines are installed in the barrier that are turned by inflow or outflow of water.

 
Problems with Technologies:

 Small startup scale companies run into unexpected costs (makes it uneconomical)

 
What Obstacles Do Companies face?

1. Ecological studies of an area over some time

2. Funding for the conversion of a prototype to a commercial product.

 
Current research at Research at Oregon state University involves designing tidal plants with better anchoring techniques of the coast of Oregen.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003931009_wavepower07m0.html

The Stingray has an arm that oscillates because the wave hits it at an angle; which in turn forces hydraulic cylinders compress. This produces high pressure oil which is used to drive a generator.

http://www.engb.com/services_09a.php

 We discussed Solar Based Solar Power,  Nanosolar, Microfinancing in developing countries, Ecology specifically in Brazil, Hybrid cars,