研究院アワー2012年5月28日 “Energy from the Sea – Developing Tidal Power in Maine, USA”

研究院アワー (ESS Seminar)
May 28, 2012 (Monday) 5pm〜6:30pm

場所： 大学院地球環境科学研究院C棟203号室
Venue: Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Room C203

演題/Title: Energy from the Sea
– Developing Tidal Power in Maine, USA

講演者/Speaker： Prof. Huijie Xue
(School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, USA）

座長/Chair: 藤井　賢彦　准教授（統合環境科学部門　実践・地球環境科学分野）
要旨/Abstract：

Energy independence is critical to maintain our standards of living for the next generation. It is becoming clear that no single source of energy will provide all of our needs. Tidal energy represents one potential source of energy in some regions. This presentation will first discuss the opportunities and issues associated with the tidal power development worldwide, followed by an introduction of Maine Tidal Power Initiative, a consortium of engineers, marine scientists, social scientists and community leaders to create a framework for development of tidal energy in Maine, USA.

Cobscook (US) and Passamaquoddy (US and Canada) bays are located at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. This area is known for its high tidal range and has long been regarded as a premier location for tidal power development. A three-dimensional coastal ocean circulation model is set up to predict tide currents, and the results are validated using the available observations. The locations with high tidal power density in this area are identified and the temporal characteristics are determined. Energy extraction at high power density sites is implemented in the model by reducing the flow speed in the mid water column when the speed exceeds a threshold. Significant changes in the flow and eddy activities are found in both near and far fields in response to energy extraction. This study also evaluates the size and distribution of turbine arrays as well as extraction schemes and how they affect the hydrodynamics.

連絡先：統合環境科学部門　実践・地球環境科学分野　藤井　賢彦
(E-mail: mfujii@ees.hokudai.ac.jp, 内線: 2359)