Wed Jul 25, 2012, 11:25 AM
America's first ever commercial scale tidal generator launching in MaineLast edited Wed Jul 25, 2012, 12:47 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)
Source: Associated Press
EASTPORT — What's being called the country's first commercial-scale tidal power generator is being launched in eastern Maine. Ocean Renewable Power Co. 's first fully assembled turbine generator unit, 100 feet long, about 15 feet high and rigged with long, curved turbine foils, is to become operational in August and connected to the grid to deliver electricity to Maine consumers starting in October. Ocean Renewable President Chris Sauer says Tuesday's dedication marks the end of eight years of hard work and fundraising. Sauer has called Eastport the "Kitty Hawk" of tidal energy. U. S. Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine, who helped secure funding for the project, calls it "a monumental achievement." U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud of Maine says the project will help increase the nation's energy independence. Read more: http://www.sunjournal.com/news/maine/2012/07/24/tidal-generator-being-launched-maine/1227589?utm_source=Sun+Journal+List&utm_campaign=de641db84c-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email A little good news for a change. 
There is nothing more at the link. 
A much better source with pictures here: http://bangordailynews.com/2012/07/24/news/down-east/nations-first-underwater-tidal-turbine-dedicated-in-eastport/ (Thank you, petronius!)
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26 replies, 3029 views
 26 replies |
Author | Time | Post |
 America's first ever commercial scale tidal generator launching in Maine (Original post) |
bluedigger | Jul 2012 | OP |
| MADem | Jul 2012 | #1 | |
| RC | Jul 2012 | #2 | |
| democrat_patriot | Jul 2012 | #3 | |
| AtheistCrusader | Jul 2012 | #9 | |
| Xithras | Jul 2012 | #14 | |
| AtheistCrusader | Jul 2012 | #19 | |
| xtraxritical | Jul 2012 | #20 | |
| yesphan | Jul 2012 | #18 | |
| dmallind | Jul 2012 | #17 | |
| bluedigger | Jul 2012 | #22 | |
| magical thyme | Jul 2012 | #23 | |
| pinto | Jul 2012 | #4 | |
| NYC_SKP | Jul 2012 | #5 | |
| Posteritatis | Jul 2012 | #7 | |
| KamaAina | Jul 2012 | #26 | |
| NYC_SKP | Jul 2012 | #6 | |
| DonRedwood | Jul 2012 | #8 | |
| petronius | Jul 2012 | #10 | |
| bluedigger | Jul 2012 | #11 | |
| msongs | Jul 2012 | #12 | |
| bluedigger | Jul 2012 | #13 | |
| Orsino | Jul 2012 | #15 | |
| bluedigger | Jul 2012 | #16 | |
| Orsino | Jul 2012 | #25 | |
| Brother Buzz | Jul 2012 | #24 | |
| obxhead | Jul 2012 | #21 |
Response to bluedigger (Original post)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 11:26 AM
1. From sea to shining sea!! Let's do it! nt
Response to bluedigger (Original post)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 11:30 AM
RC (21,626 posts)
2. What is in place to prevent the fishes from becoming chum? Anything?
Response to RC (Reply #2)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 11:32 AM
democrat_patriot (2,766 posts)
3. It's 100 feet long. How many fish can it 'chum'. We're better off with an oil spill I suppose.
Response to RC (Reply #2)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 12:24 PM
9. It doesn't spin around like a salad shooter.
Response to AtheistCrusader (Reply #9)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 12:58 PM
14. It sort of does, and it will absolutely kill larger sea life.
Response to Xithras (Reply #14)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 02:20 PM
19. Smaller fish will pass right through it, no problem.
Response to Xithras (Reply #14)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 03:40 PM
xtraxritical (2,954 posts)
20. Aquatic creatures have survival instincts too and will surly avoid this thing.
Response to RC (Reply #2)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 01:19 PM
dmallind (10,437 posts)
17. Simple cheap solution - stick a net in front of it.
Response to dmallind (Reply #17)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 04:45 PM
22. Or better yet, a bunch of lobster pots.
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Response to RC (Reply #2)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 06:41 PM
23. since Maine is also a fishery, yes, they care
Response to bluedigger (Original post)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 11:32 AM
pinto (97,891 posts)
4. Bay of Fundy - Highest tides in the world:
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Response to pinto (Reply #4)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 11:34 AM
NYC_SKP (48,793 posts)
5. I've been fascinated with that place since I first learned about it.
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Last edited Wed Jul 25, 2012, 11:47 AM USA/ET - Edit history (1) 45 foot tides, or something like that.
Imagine the potential for generation. 
ETA link to book where I read about it years ago: http://www.amazon.com/Waves-wind-weather-practical-navigator/dp/0679507531/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343231113&sr=1-4&keywords=wind+waves+and+weather Also in that book, and fascinating: Where the weather, air temps and water temps are below freezing, snow drifts can build up on the high seas. The snow doesn't melt because of the high temps, and the salt water doesn't freeze because of the high salinity. I would love to see big snow drifts on the high seas! |
Response to NYC_SKP (Reply #5)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 11:45 AM
7. I live not far from the eastern end of that, the tides are pretty bonkers. (nt)
Response to bluedigger (Original post)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 11:43 AM
NYC_SKP (48,793 posts)
6. Lots of people think these projects are HARMFUL to sea life....
Response to bluedigger (Original post)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 12:39 PM
petronius (19,651 posts)
10. Fascinating! That's great news...
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Here's a picture of the thing:
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/07/24/news/down-east/nations-first-underwater-tidal-turbine-dedicated-in-eastport/ I'd be surprised if it was able to spin fast enough to 'chop' a fish - and fish are quite adept at dealing with surge and turbulence. If anything, that bottom support structure looks like it will provide some habitat (they ought to build in nooks for lobsters!  ) |
Response to petronius (Reply #10)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 12:45 PM
11. That is a much better source - thanks!
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I will edit my OP to add the link for convenience.
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Response to bluedigger (Original post)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 12:47 PM
msongs (30,483 posts)
12. it will be encrusted by mollusks and other sea life. wonder how long it will run in that case nt
Response to Orsino (Reply #15)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 01:07 PM
16. Obviously.
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I think it's a pretty safe assumption that it was designed for a salt water environment.
 It would be much easier and safer if routine maintenance was done at the surface or on dry land, wouldn't it?  |
Response to msongs (Reply #12)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 07:10 PM
Brother Buzz (8,366 posts)
24. Bum info
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Last edited Wed Jul 25, 2012, 07:14 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1) |
Response to bluedigger (Original post)
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 04:32 PM
obxhead (7,153 posts)
21. Damn you had me excited for a minute. :(
