In order to find the best location for the devices we studied, we use data from two websites you can access using the following links:
Tidal Barrage
For tidal barrage locations, we utilized NOAA's Tide Tables for 2015, the most recent print publication available. For our selection criteria, we used tidal station locations that had mean tidal ranges greater than 20 ft (~ 6 m). We also decided to focus on locations that do not currently have large-scale tidal barrage stations in operation or being constructed. As a result, we excluded the English Channel (La Rance power station) and the Yellow Sea (Sihwa Lake Power Station). The below map shows locations that may be suitable for tidal barrage generation. This list is intended as a list of locations to further explore tidal barrage possibilities based on the large tidal ranges encountered.
Point Absorber
For the point absorber wave farm, the ideal location has wave heights between 2 and 8 m and is not hurricane-prone. These requirements would make an offshore wave farm ideal, since we can find those conditions in several places. But we have to keep in mind that the energy transportation is an important factor to consider, and longer distances make such projects reduce feasibility. As a result, wave energy converters become more cost effective when situated near shore. This will makes energy transport and maintenance easier and less expensive.
Using the website of National Renewable Energy Laboratory, we found that the coasts in the United States with the highest wave power density are:
• The west Coast from Seattle to Los Angeles
• South of Alaska
• Hawaii
We then used NOAA data to find a place with the conditions listed above.
Finally a check of how often hurricanes occur in the potential locations provides what could be the best place near the US coast to set up a wave energy conversion farm.
Using the website of National Renewable Energy Laboratory, we found that the coasts in the United States with the highest wave power density are:
• The west Coast from Seattle to Los Angeles
• South of Alaska
• Hawaii
We then used NOAA data to find a place with the conditions listed above.
Finally a check of how often hurricanes occur in the potential locations provides what could be the best place near the US coast to set up a wave energy conversion farm.
Pelamis
Looking at the principle and the operating requirements, Pelamis is ideal for providing power to remote islands, which might otherwise not have other good sources of power. The main requirement would be some sort of sub station that can distribute the power on the islands. For example, one Pelamis machine can power 500 homes in Hawaii. Hawaii relies heavily on petroleum and coal imports for power generation. As a result, electricity costs three times as much compared to the continental United Sates. If implemented in a large scale, Pelamis can provide a comparable and possibly more economic solution, with reduced CO2 emissions. 750 kW of energy running for even 20% of the time for a month corresponds to 36 MT of coal that is burnt and 75 MT of CO2 saved. It has an estimated cost of $0.29/kWh compared to the $0.35/kWh which they pay now. Hawaii has a significant wave height of 2.1 m and dominant wave period of 8 seconds. Other suitable locations based on the wave steepness are San Francisco and the southern coast of Alaska.
For each device we found places which fit perfectly with our technical conditions but we have to be aware that Alaska, for example, is remote and the energy transport cost will probably be too high. Hawaii or Los Angeles are more relevant due to their population growth and thus increased energy needs.