Year

2018

Season

Fall

Paper Type

Master's Thesis

College

College of Computing, Engineering & Construction

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Department

Engineering

NACO controlled Corporate Body

University of North Florida. School of Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Don Resio

Second Advisor

Dr. Brian Kopp

Rights Statement

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Third Advisor

Dr. Cigdem Akan

Department Chair

Dr. Osama Jadaan

College Dean

Dr. Chip Klostermeyer

Abstract

As the demands for energy increased with the global increase in population, there is a need to create and invest in more clean and renewable energy sources. Energy derived from the movement of the tides is an ancient concept that is currently being harnessed in a handful of large tidal range locations. However, the need to move from fossil fuel driven energy sources to those that are clean and non-polluting is a priority for a sustainable future. Globally, hydropower potential is estimated to be more than 16,400-Terawatt hours annually. Given that the electricity consumption worldwide was at 15,068-Terawatt hours in 2016, if properly utilized, hydropower could supply a substantial percentage of current demand. Most of the current hydropower supply is drawn from well-established dams and tidal barrage systems. However, tidal power plants that harness the change in water height and flow along the coast (i.e. using tidal energy) have the potential to push these figures even higher. Although there is no exact number for lengths of global coastlines, there are estimates that put that number between 220,000 and 880,000 miles of coasts. These opportunities in tidal energy technologies that harness energy from the sea may one day be the key to solving our energy crises. This research explored in detail a closed, convergent system for optimal extraction of head-driven tidal energy with minimal adverse environmental effects. The long-term goal of this project is to create a system that is viable in low tidal range locations traditionally not considered for locations of tidal energy systems, therefore increasing the overall global tidal energy portfolio. By implementing a closed system of ‘bladders’ and convergent nozzles to optimize the flow rate of the contained fluid, the proposed system can 1) derive tidal energy in low tidal range geographies 5 2) avoid typical hazards like system biofouling, marine life propeller impacts, and 3) allow for ease of installation, operation, and maintenance.

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