A Novel Idea, Combining Tidal and Solar Power

 While there has been much debate on the topic of tidal energy generation, there is somewhat less debate when solar power is added to the mix. Phil Pauley, an internationally acclaimed designer from England, recently finished a design for Marine Solar Cells (MSC), which are circular, buoyant solar power cells with small tidal turbines attached underneath. According to Pauley’s research, solar power capture could increase by as much as 20% due to reflection off the water’s surface, in addition to direct sunlight.

Some people think tidal power is a relatively new idea compared to all the work being done with solar; however, documentation for the first tide mills dates back to 787 AD, according to the Ocean Energy Council. These early mills found on the English, Spanish and French coasts, turned basic waterwheels as the tide flowed in and out. Tidal power (like solar power) has the potential to grow in the future because, unlike wind, it is completely predictable in time and location. The main problem with tidal is that it does not produce large amounts of energy, which is where solar power comes in.

With the cost of solar photovoltaic cell production slowly decreasing, solar power could be the power source with the greatest potential to produce large amounts of renewable electricity. And since our oceans cover roughly 71% of the Earth’s surface – and are expected to rise even more as ice caps recede – there is no better to place to harvest the sun’s energy.

Another possible problem, which is under constant attack by researchers around the world, is the risk of corrosion (or “fouling”) due to algae and barnacle growth on the MSC. Dozens of different chemical combinations have been used and experimented with to test their potential for discouraging growth, but the main solution appears to be lining vessels with copper. Unfortunately, solving this problem will add to the cost of an already expensive technology.

For the next few weeks I’m going to continue to discuss possible solutions like these in an attempt to draw conclusions about economic and conceptual feasibility. Please feel free to make suggestions about any technologies you may have heard or are curious to know more about.