R&D Fast Facts - Tidal Power
Fully assembled test bed in low tank
Researchers
- UMaine Libra Foundation Professor Michael “Mick” Peterson, engineering (207) 581-2129
- Professor Huijie Xue, marine sciences (207) 581-4318
- Gayle Zydlewski, fish biologist with UMaine’s School of Marine Sciences, (207) 581-4365
What is tidal power?
Tidal power uses turbines submerged in the ocean to create electricity using tidal currents. The turbines have foils that are turned by the ocean’s currents similar to the way that wind moves turbines on land.
Why Maine?
Maine’s jagged coastline contains many channels and passages perfectly suited for capturing tidal power.
What is UMaine’s role?
UMaine researchers recently received a $951,000 federal appropriation to lead a collaborative effort to advance development of Maine’s tidal power resource.
The funding comes from a Congressional initiative developed by the Maine delegation.
The university is assessing current prototypes and models of turbines, as well as examining potential environmental impacts and the commercial viability of tidal power.
What is the potential?
In addition to involving students in creating a new industry, estimates show that in the next five to seven years, tidal energy has the potential to be a billion dollar industry in Maine, creating several hundred jobs.
What’s next?
Researchers are moving forward in evaluating the potential environmental impact of harnessing tidal energy off the coast of Eastport in the Western Passage of Passamaquoddy Bay. Eastport is the most viable site with the highest tides in the continental United States.
Once the environmental and commercial viability questions are answered, it is likely that the technology can be implemented fairly quickly.
Project partner Ocean Renewable Power Co. has begun extensive in-water testing of the commercial design of its turbine generator unit, which has turbines made of a composite material developed by U.S. Windblade LLC of Bath and a composite structural frame to be made by Harbor Technologies LLC of Brunswick – two companies with ties to UMaine’s AEWC Advanced Structures and Composites Center.
Project partners:
Maine Maritime Academy and Portland-based Ocean Renewable Power Co. (ORPC).
Related links:
A UMaine video report about the research and its potential is online at: http://www.umaine.edu/videos/
A UMaine Today magazine story at: http://www.umainetoday.umaine.edu/issues/v8i3/sea.html
