Power from the Water

Abstract

More than two-thirds of the planet’s surface is covered by water, and power may be obtained from both the surface water and the deep oceans. Hydroelectric, tidal, ocean current, wave, and OTEC power installations are among those that may convert the power of the water directly to electricity. Unlike wind power, these renewable energy sources are either continuous or predictably variable. The naturally occurring water cycle and the resulting rainfall transfer millions of tons of water annually to high elevations with significant potential energy. River flows on the planet carry the very high amounts of potential and kinetic energy, which currently turn the turbines of several hydroelectric power plants and have the capability to provide at least 25% of the total electric energy demand of the planet. The 240 MW tidal power plant in La Rance, France, has proven that there are reliable systems in operation to convert the tidal energy of the sea to electric power. Tidal power plants in prime locations in England, Norway, USA, Canada and other parts of the world have the capability to produce between 25 and 100% of the electricity demand in several coastal countries. The harnessing of the energy in ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, is at present a rather futuristic idea, which has the potential to cover the entire global demand for electricity. Several wave power systems and devices have been invented in the last half of the twentieth century, which are now in the testing and pilot-plant phases. If successful, harnessing the waves and the widespread use of wave power have the potential to produce more than 50% of the electric demand in island and coastal countries, such as Portugal, Norway, Great Britain, Japan, South Africa. and Australia. The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) cycle also has the potential to supply almost unlimited electric power to coastal communities, but needs significantly more research and development efforts to reliably and economically meet this promise. All these electric power sources associated with the flow of water are examined in this chapter in a scientific manner. Engineering systems and cycles for the utilization of these resources are described. The environmental and ecological impacts of these systems are also examined critically.