TMO Analysis: “Wave and Wind in One”, Emerging Technology by Floating Power Plant

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Introduction

The study will be focusing on floating power plant (FPP) in respect to technology with wave and wind energy being prioritized. The FPP is considered as the most effective and efficient sources of Kinetic energy.

The conversion involves ocean waves. FPP technological manipulation is more pronounced in oceans that have strong currents and waves causing disturbance in the sea topography. Ocean wave energy is one of the best energy sources due to its little negative impact to the ecosystem.

The Project will be focusing on how FPP is able to generate clean energy that is renewable and eco-friendly. The parameters and various technological segments will also be focused in respect to energy production (Johnson, Whittington& Scholes, 2010).

Purpose of the study

The study will be focusing on an analysis of wave and energy technology by floating power plant (FPP). The study will also focus on the importance of FPP and the technological aspect involved in power generation. The study will look at the political, economic, social and technological aspects of FPP.

The study will focus on the ecosystem and asses the credibility of an effective ecosystem. The study will give an opportunity to potential investors to assess the costs likely to be incurred when making plans to set up a floating power plant.

Researchers will evaluate the value of FPP as opposed to other mechanisms in generation of electric energy. Stakeholders will be able to examine environmental, legal and social mechanisms that must be adhered to when setting up an FPP plant.

General objectives

To analyze wave and wind energy emerging technology by floating power plant.

Specific objectives

To assess the different emerging technologies in floating power plant.-To study the ecosystem and evaluate the biological and non-biological standards involved in evaluating and protecting it. -To observe the management and application of floating power plant. -To evaluate the commercial aspect in relation to floating power plant technology.-To understand the relationship that exists between water, wave and wind energy.

Problem statement

The following problems underline FPP and wind wave power generation facility;

The occurrence of visual pollution and damage to the ecosystem has generated concern over water life with scientists and researchers in marine warning of a poor water ecosystem.
Change in weather and topography causing tides and ocean waves presents a deplorable sea status and unlikely poor production in FPP generation power.
The management of floating power plant has always presented as challenge in the marine sector.
Companies have focused on marketing strategies with commercialization of FPP creating challenges and competition from other sources.

Floating power plant

The Poseidon is an example of a floating power plant prototype. The power plant is centered on a hydraulic power take-off system. The plant is designed for location offshore in zones with significant fluctuations.

Compared to other wave energy systems, the plant has a considerably higher efficiency, installed effect and energy production. This idea of the floating power plant, (FPP) is also referred to as a prototype technology that has utilized two types of energy.

The structure of Poseidon FPP

The Poseidon structure is 37 m wide and 25 m long apart from the buoy.The Poseidon FPP has a semi-submerged support structure which is three quarters submerged. This semi submerged structure is also known as barge floaters. This support structure is needed when combining both wind and wave energy.

The sections of the Poseidon include; the fore, the intermediate and the rear ones. The fore and rear sections are constructed to ensure that the floating plant resists the power of the waves. This fact is achieved in a reflexive way that does not involved energy consumption.

The floaters which are wave resistant are protected at the front sections. They resist the pressure effect of the wave. Up to 34 % of the consumed wave energy is transformed into electrical energy in the power plant. The ballast mechanism is an effective regulatory system.

Management of the submerged depth is also an active regulation measure of the plant. Energy is only used in the regulatory mechanism. This makes the floaters to have a high efficiency in all types of waves including both small and large.

Mooring

The turret is a device suspended in motion by two or more mooring gadgets and protected by anchors.The turret mooring mechanism plays the role of a support acts as a system which necessitates effective rotation of the floating plant. It is a quality mechanism also used in the oil and gas sectors.

The turret mooring device is usually functional in floating devices and offloading (FPSO) water vessels that extract oil and other minerals from distant fields. The system is only viable for use for depths that are above 40 meters. Consequently and height is regulated by the support device.

The turbines are also determined by the downward wind or upward wind types. Due to the floating complementary device, the cost of installation of wind turbines offshore matches with the cost of setting up the turbines onshore. The wind turbines can vary from 1 to 3 turbines which can be either upwind or downwind.

Future plans

In 2011, it was proclaimed that a power device replica of 110 meters wide will be made It will be situated in Oregon, USA. The largest scope of another modern floating power installation will be 230m in width. It will be installed with the support of 3 turbines. The annual production will be 50 GHz.

Aspects of wave and wind energy

Political aspect

Politically, any plant is stimulated by the nature, structure and political dimensions. FPP stimulates the Danish political system to embrace energy change by employing wave and wind energy. With political support, other formalities become easy to be realized.

Economical aspect

In water technology, FPP involves an ultimate design that is created to combine the water oscillatory column and the effective wind turbines. FPP is believed to last for 25 years or more with; low cost in operation when compared to other power generating forces like solar or fossil power, FPP generators are cost effective.

Little maintenance cost is incurred and the efficiency of their operation makes them economic hit worldwide. The cost of FPP can compete with other sources of energy with the cost from middle range being close to the one from wind turbines main system which is about 7 c/kW.

In large FPP production, the cost becomes reduced and estimated to be as low as 2c/kW. In the world of Poseidon as at 2011, about EUR 10 mill had been invested in the floating power plant as company; with greater than 85% share capital.

Poseidon has generated brilliant ideas to most investors globally with high scientific research together with off shore competition. It is estimated to be 230 meter wide; layout is capable to generate more than 50 GWh per annum, which is equal to 12,500-15,000 annual consumption of power.

In the past 10 or 12 years, FPP is seen to have successively developed ideas employed in today’s units; demonstrated with ideas, models and designs going through various tests to facilitate off shore work (Johnson, Whittington & Scholes, 2010).

FPP has been looking for commercial partners to create added value in the sectors of expertise and capital investment to take the industry to another level in commerce.

The company has been creating awareness and welcome ideas on Poseidon power of generating electricity to be able to compete with other conventional off shore wind forces.

Social aspect

Socially, the FPP project is sufficient enough in respect to most social utilities. Schools, hospitals, stadiums and infrastructure can all be run by floating power generated energy.

Recently FPP and some groups from Great Britain and Portugal struck a deal to adopt an approach of monitoring Poseidon structural health and conditioning. FPP is seen to be generating global relations and diplomacy through trade fairs.

In April 2013, climate minister Martin Lideegard paid a visit to an FPP at Naksor harbor. FPP not only bring people together but relates to different corporate bodies through a defining goal of energy enrichment. Communities living near or within the installation should be able to benefit from them.

Technological aspect

The FPP evaluation is believed to be one of the greatest technological ideas in the world of energy and power. FPP in proper use can be employed in off shore floating foundation.

With the uniqueness in the design, FPP makes uniform and unidirectional flow of air that eliminates the purpose of complex and costly air turbine unit. This is cost efficient and with the technological up thrust in energy technology, the mariners and ocean researchers are able to understand different concept in technology.

Floating wind turbines are turbines attached on a particular floating structure to allow the respective turbines to harness and produce electricity in very deep waters. It’s very crucial to understand that the relations of the turbine outside the sea can mitigate visual pollution.

Visual pollution has been a threat to marine technology. It has been a hindrance to global FPP productions. With this menace well eliminated, the waters provide good accommodation for fishing and other marine works. The wind becomes more consistence and steady above sea.

Absence of relief features like rocks and cliffs reduces obstacles in marine technology as well as FPP technology. Poseidon refers to a concept employed by FPP which converts wave energy into electric power.

The plant operates like a floating installation for offshore wind turbines thus producing energy power that is reliable. A full scope Poseidon installation is usually 80-130 meters. The 130 meter scale Poseidon can perform the following: 1.Efficient transformation of wave energy to electric power by 35% 2.

Has a total installation effect of 8 MW 3.Energy yield amounting to 10 GWH per annum if the plant is established west coast of Atlantic ocean 4.

Total energy yield from turbine amounts to 12 GWH per year Poseidon based on hydraulic take off power technology is based in areas of high effect, energy production and efficiency. Its positive feedback is linked to the anchor mechanism, the float ability, the plant’s strength and dynamic aspect of the float device.

The off shore position and the integration potential with respect to other sustainable energy system make Poseidon a dynamic power system.

The float is found to absorb the energy out of the waves and through a piston pump; it converts the wave energy into water force which is sent through turbines eventually generating electric power. With an efficient engineering mechanism, the float gives optimum levels of wave energy.

The support buoy device controls the waves to the fore of the installation. The front part is about 230 meters in length with 10 floats. Poseidon powers absorb and utilize wave energy, create column water before the front plant part enabling easy accessibility of the platform for maintenance reasons (Lall, 2000).

Walles marine introductory of FPP in 1980 was a great step in the energy world. The company was mandated to investigate the issue of power badge. With concerns raised over the power badge, many technologists dug into the matter to unleash the important clues concerning the topic (Geroski, 2003).

The power badge system had the advantage of naming both the cooling and fuel system installed. It combined a 220 Mw with a cycle FPP (Johnson, Whittington & Scholes, 2010). Wind turbines were considered to be of the right size, done at the right place and for the right reason.

With all these benefits, there was no doubt that wind had displaced coal and natural gas as source s of clean energy and major source of electricity. Even though nuclear produced more energy (of about 180-1000 times to that of wind) great than wind; wind energy observed the benefits of safety, cleanliness and eco-friendly.

The FPP business model fell into two classes which were FPP for customs and wave plant and power models.

The ecosystem versus FPP

An ecosystem refers to a unit of both biotic (animal, plant and microorganisms) and abiotic components (water, air and soil) in which they interact. The biotic and abiotic systems relate and are joined by energy circles and nutrient flows (Kritek, 2002). They come in different sizes and distribution.

Energy and water plays an important role in the aquatic ecosystem which encompasses all water bodies. Biodiversity as a branch of knowledge interferes with the ecosystem and technological innovations and FPP is not an exception.

The aquatic ecosystem refers to a water body and can either be fresh water or marine aquatic depending on the salt factor and temperature. Marine life constitutes 70% of the earth’s area coverage (Feenstra & Hanson, 1996). Salts in the sea make 35 ppt of water.

The sea’s ecosystem is grouped into different zones according to shoreline characteristics and water depth (Lum, 2011). The zones constitute the oceanic and neritic zones. All these zones are important in the general ecosystem since what is a threat to water is definitely a threat to the terrestrial.

In FPP productions and consolidation of wave and energy plants; the aquatic ecosystem should be carefully evaluated. The living components should be encouraged. Waste delivery and pollution should be avoided and nature’s respect should be upheld.

With various organisms like the corals, echinoderms, blue algae and others, it is important for the company to understand that most of these organisms are sources of food and business for a number of individuals. Cases of sulfur deposition into the sea have been reported with concerns being raised over the topic (Jerome & Carimentrand, 2010).

Other reported concerns include building along the coastal areas and climate change which can also be influenced by man. The system has a 3% net primary contribution. Fresh water ecosystem enhances 41% of the world total fish.

In as much as it covers a rear portion, its economic impact is huge and therefore effective measures should be taken to safeguard it (Iwanow & Kirkpatrick, 2009). They are found to fall into different classes depending on the speed of water movement. Lentic zones refer to slow moving shallow waters like pool water.

Lotic refers to fast moving water e.g. rivers and streams and finally wetlands which are areas that are saturated most of the time. Measures can be taken on individual basis or communal with each pone understanding the importance of fresh water bodies. Deposition of gases and other unwanted waste should be discouraged.

FPP should look at the mechanism of waste disposal and determine the best procedures in safeguarding these systems. The reduction of Poseidon environmental impact is crucial for FPP.

Poseidon power of absorbing energy from waves helps in decreasing the wave height thus creating calm waters behind the plant front plant. Many approaches have been deployed to exploit ocean energy.

It is proven that the biggest resource in ocean energy globally is found in wave and wind power.

TMO Framework

The TMO frameworks objective is to analyze and synthesize existing information in order to make an effective case study. This will involve a lot of collection of data through a systematic survey and presentation of the results

Future outlook

The offshore wave and wind energy market potential is driven by a competitive, cost effective and sustainable supply which is enhanced by; a large potential market, focus on new and renewable sources of energy, focus on controlling greenhouse gas effects, focus on improvement of global independence on energy security.

Wave energy follows the bearing of wave movement and is calculated as the power amount contained in every linear meter of a wave front.

With this figure, the North Sea Danish part despite being a low water area is capable of supplying 21 TWH per annum of energy. This intends to match with 65% of Danish total energy use (Feenstra & Hanson, 1996).

Market operations

A number of companies run wave and wind power installations like Limpet which operates a wind electricity installation for commercial purposes. Other companies include Pelamic and renewable energy holdings. The FPP foundation involves the following structure.

The FPP foundation's structure

Emerging Technology

Apart from the FPP technology, there are other emerging technologies in the wind and wave energy production industries.

Wind electricity technologies

These are grouped into three types which constitute: – 1. Those that utilize floats, buoys, or pitching devices to generate electricity. The up and down movement of ocean tides is used to run hydraulic pumps. 2. Those that use oscillating water column (OWC) devices to generate electricity.

They are used in the sea using the up and down movement of waves into a cylindrical shaft. The rising waves push pressure out of the front of the shaft, regulating a pressure-controlled turbine. 3.

Those that exploit the use of a channel, or a lid gadget which can be installed either in the sea or offshore. They direct the waves controlling them into a raised reservoir.

Tidal power technologies

Other several models for tidal facilities have emerged. They comprise of tidal waves and lagoons and other sea tidal installations. None currently is commercially operating. Among the 3 recent wave technologies, the most popular with energy experts is underwater wave turbine.

Many of the tidal power companies have developed tidal turbines. These turbines can be equated to wave turbines. Tidal turbines can also be installed underwater where currents do not exceed 5-6 mph.

The tidal turbines are not as big as the wind ones in size. Given that air is less dense than water, the turbines can be able to channel higher levels of electricity.

The wind wave technology

The wind industry is presently moving off shore due to favorable wind conditions accompanied by decreased potential in applying for acreage. The continent of Europe happens to be on the fore front in wind power technology. This is facilitated by shallow water and strong currents especially in the north (Reardon, 2004).

Dense population accompanied with development assist in making wind technology the pride Europe. To date, all wind turbines have been enhanced with permanent foundations and limits current wind to very shallow water.

A wind wave firm in Dutch has ventured into the wind wave technology with production targeting the entire globe. With credible resources they offer services such as wind farm operations, consulting services, wind technology R and D services, wind farm analysis and optimization.

Tapping of energy from waves

Several methods are employed to harness wave energy. One of the methods employs the swimming pool mechanism. In this case air is blown inside and outside the chamber adjacent to the pool (Feenstra & Hanson, 1996). This makes the water on the outside to juggle up and down creating waves.

At the wave center, the approaching waves trigger the chamber water to rise at a given point and also fall at another point forcing in moisture and out of the passage situated at the fore of the chamber. A turbine is put on the passage that is controlled by moisture moving inwards and outwards.

The turbine operates by controlling the generator. The disadvantage with this design is the noise that is created by moving air. It is thus crucial to use a silencer to control sound produced alongside the turbine.

Environmental consequences

Wave and tidal power installations produce electricity without emitting any greenhouse fumes or chemical emissions.

Although certain considerations have been made that constitute effects on sea ecosystems and fisheries, environmental experts are working on studies to determine whether there can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods of power production.

Several pilot and commercial projects are undergoing environmental monitoring for example, The East River tidal turbine pilot project in the USA includes sonar system which monitors the impacts on fish populations and the marine ecosystem as electricity is being generated from the river.

Environmental concerns should be adequately featured and enshrined in the law. Legal environmental mechanisms would ensure that all environmental requirements are complied with and would reduce harmful practices by key stakeholders in the energy industry.

Recommendation

Energy being a fundamental necessity in political, economic, social and technological fields, I recommend all stakeholders, corporate bodies, companies and energy agencies to create awareness on importance of clean and renewable energy as seen in FPP.

It’s also important for everybody to assess the ecosystem and fight pollution, damage to life and to the natural resources (Bhagwati, 2002). I recommend all government agencies to adopt measures that safeguard the ecosystem especially the aquatic ecosystem.

My recommendation also goes to other fuel and energy generating organizations to maintain a clean and environmentally balanced energy enclosure. Energy production should be eco-friendly and cost effective.

Appropriate installation of the electrical plants should reduce hazardous effects on marine commercial activities, sea ecosystems and fisheries. Certain wave and tidal installations operate underwater and therefore have no major effect on marine life or activities.

The government should create specific legislation governing power generation through wave, tidal and wind energy. The legislation should establish requirements and standards for investors in the said fields and define regulatory mechanisms to be followed for them.

The government should also provide budgetary allocations that would help to support innovations that are made in the sector of wind, wave and tidal energy (Reardon, 2004).

Conclusion

With concerns for the ecosystem, it’s important to understand the necessity of the aquatic ecosystem. With marine technology, aquatic management and floating power plant products, it’s necessary to maintain an effective and sustainable eco-friendly ecosystem.

The effects of urbanization in socio economic development not only possess threat to land encroachment but to the sea as well. With human involvement and manipulation in hydrological cycle, the FPP foundation faces global changes of economic and technological dominants (Anderson, 2009).

Relocation of individuals to areas which are less hit by human invasion and where productivity is rigid can be a sure way of balancing production and consumption with regards to sustainability of energy (Johnson, 2010).

FPP and combined wind-wave technology embodies many advantages that make it an important energy source (Ederington & McCalman, 2008).

These advantages include; fast electricity generation, lit of infrastructure, its mobility and ability to be transformed, use of less and reduced site and space in production and its independence of soil quality with a secured assurance in cases of earthquakes or floods.

New innovations with potential and promising inventors should be encouraged and supported (Akapaiboon, 2007). Energy is power and those who believe so have reaped the benefits. The state should offer incentives in new investments.

FPP is not only a job creator but a problem solver. With rich energy, a nation is secured economically, socially and politically with other countries looking out for it for handouts and donations from them (Bhagwati, 2002).

With regard to infrastructure development and land telecommunication systems, an elaborate power system assures that these services are well supplied and are able to reach each and every citizen. With an FPP foundation, the returns are expected to be greater than the risks involved.

FPP is thus an effective mechanism that will help various states in the world especially those which have water bodies like seas and oceans to realize their development goals.FPP has not only revolutionized generation of cheap electricity but has also helped to generate electricity through environmentally friendly mechanisms.

References

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