Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy in Florida: Toward Implementation

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1 Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy in Florida: Toward Implementation Summary: Marine renewable energy is poised to become an important component of a diversified energy portfolio for the nation s future. Like other renewable energy resources, marine renewable energy resources are regional in nature. In Florida, it is embodied in the energy of the Florida Current and in the thermocline. This talk discusses Florida s potential and progress toward realizing it.

2 A fundamental question: Is there enough power out there to make this economically feasible? Clearly, the first part of an answer concerns how much power is available and accessible. Florida Current Thermal Structure

3 Florida s OTEC resource 18+ ⁰C temperature difference is required for OTEC Model predictions can be used to estimate OTEC resource (below) Validation off SE Florida suggest resource is under predicted by ⁰ C Cold water replenishment rates limit this potential Utilizing a 30m thick slice of the cold water resource could yield 150 GW on average Using only a 1m slice could yield 5 GW on average Plant sizes ~ 100 MW Summer 2010 Winter 2010 Average 2010

4 Florida s in stream Hydrokinetic resource Total power potential has not yet been clearly defined??? Total mean kinetic energy flux is around 25 GW Mean energy densities of around 2.32 kw/m 2 (based on measurements) A single commercial unit will likely produce on average MW A string of m turbines could have an average power output of 200 MW Surface currents Measured current profile Current magnitude (25 m)

5 Technical Challenges In Stream Hydrokinetic: This resource is primarily located in the top 100 m of the water column in 300+ meter deep water (no fixed piles) Systems will be located in areas with heavy shipping traffic (will likely need to operate below shipping traffic) Must survive extreme events such as hurricanes (will likely need to dive to avoid hurricanes) OTEC: Large cold water pipes must survive in the Florida Current and extreme events.

6 State of the Art In Stream Hydrokinetic: Several in stream tidal systems are currently in the water Only one system has ever been tested in the Florida Current (1 day in 1985 far from commercial scale) Companies including the Offshore Renewable Power Company, Aquantis LLC, the THOR Energy Group, and Cycle Ocean are currently developing technologies to harness this resource SNMREC at FAU plans to deploy an experimental ocean current turbine in 2012 OTEC: First plant was built in 1930 Net power output achieved in 1979 New pilot plant scheduled to be operational in Hawaii in

7 SNMREC Progress Measurement and model based resource assessments are underway to locate the best locations for systems and estimate power potential (OTEC and in stream hydrokinetic) Current shear, turbulence, and other important environmental factors are being analyzed, as well as their impact on in stream hydrokinetic systems Ongoing research is being pursued in areas related to corrosion, biofouling, materials, blade design, machine condition monitoring, anchoring systems, and environmental impacts to name a few

8 SNMREC Progress Computer controlled, 20kW class dynamometer: generator and intelligent monitoring systems testing is underway. Instrumented mooring and telemetry buoy, sea tested and nearly ready for deployment in the Florida Current.

9 SNMREC Progress Experimental turbine system 75% complete (early 2012). Tow testing (early 2012) Moored testing (after permits)

10 Another challenge Assuming the economics work out, we must ask: Can energy recovery on these scales be done in the context of environmental stewardship? The answer involves two related perspectives environmental concerns specific to the Florida Straits; environmental benefits of implementing renewable energy recovery. The balance of these will determine the future of marine renewable energy in Florida.

11 Thank you for your time!