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Massachusetts Tidal In-Stream Energy Conversion (TISEC): Survey and Characterization of Potential Project Sites

Report

Title: Massachusetts Tidal In-Stream Energy Conversion (TISEC): Survey and Characterization of Potential Project Sites
Author:
Hagerman, G.; Bedard, R.
Publication Date:
Document Number:
EPRI - TP- 003 MA Rev 1
Pages:
55
Affiliation:
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Technology:
Current, Tidal
Resource:
Site Characterization
Language:
English

Document Access

Website:
External Link
Attachment:
Access File
Notice: This material may be protected by Copyright Law.

Citation

Hagerman, G.; Bedard, R. (2006). Massachusetts Tidal In-Stream Energy Conversion (TISEC): Survey and Characterization of Potential Project Sites (Report No. EPRI - TP- 003 MA Rev 1). Report by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
@techreport{Hagerman-2006-1039,
author = {Hagerman, G and Bedard, R},
title = {Massachusetts Tidal In-Stream Energy Conversion (TISEC): Survey and Characterization of Potential Project Sites},
institution = {Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)},
year = {2006},
month = {oct},
number = {EPRI - TP- 003 MA Rev 1},
url = {https://oceanenergy.epri.com/streamenergy.html},
keywords = {Current, Tidal, Site Characterization},
}
Export Citation to BibTex
TY - RPRT
TI - Massachusetts Tidal In-Stream Energy Conversion (TISEC): Survey and Characterization of Potential Project Sites
AU - Hagerman, G
AU - Bedard, R
AB - The purpose of this report is to identify and characterize sites in Massachusetts that havesignificant development potential for tidal in-stream energy conversion (TISEC). Potential siteswere identified from available sources and used a screening criterion that required the site tohave flood or ebb peak surface velocities averaging at least three knots. For the identified sitesmeeting this criterion, a presentation of the site attributes is provided and includes:• Tidal in-stream power density;• Bathymetry and seafloor geology (including water depth);• Utility grid interconnection;• Maritime support infrastructure;• Environmental considerations; and• Unique opportunities.This report provides the basis for selecting the most promising sites for a feasibilitydemonstration project, notionally rated at 500 kW (producing 1,500 MWh annually at 40%capacity factor) and for a first commercial plant, notionally rated at 10 MW (producing 30,000MWh annually at 40% capacity factor). Sufficient data is provided to enable the MassachusettsAdvisory Group to select a single site for a subsequent concept-level design, performanceanalysis and cost estimateSix potential project sites were identified in Massachusetts that have both flood and ebb peaktidal current surface velocities averaging at least 1.5 m/sec (3 knots). The depth averaged meanextractable power (15% of the mean total depth-averaged power) at each of these sites isindicated below:1. Blynman Canal (0.003 MW)2. Muskeget Channel (2.0 MW)3. West Chop, Nantucket Sound (power density below 0.7 kW/m2)4. Norton Point,Vineyard Sound (power density below 0.7 kW/m2)5. Woods Hole Passage (0.069 MW)6. Cape Cod Canal (1.4 MW)Although Cape Cod Canal has the highest power density of any potential tidal stream energyconversion site in Massachusetts, there is insufficient space to site TISEC devices within thenavigation safety margins specified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.From the standpoint of a total yearly average extractable power, the site of choice is MuskegetChannel. Significant electrical grid upgrades, however, will be required to support a commercialplant larger than 500 kW.
DA - 2006/10//
PY - 2006
SP - 55
PB - Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
SN - EPRI - TP- 003 MA Rev 1
UR - https://oceanenergy.epri.com/streamenergy.html
LA - English
KW - Current
KW - Tidal
KW - Site Characterization
ER -
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Abstract

The purpose of this report is to identify and characterize sites in Massachusetts that have

significant development potential for tidal in-stream energy conversion (TISEC). Potential sites

were identified from available sources and used a screening criterion that required the site to

have flood or ebb peak surface velocities averaging at least three knots. For the identified sites

meeting this criterion, a presentation of the site attributes is provided and includes:



• Tidal in-stream power density;

• Bathymetry and seafloor geology (including water depth);

• Utility grid interconnection;

• Maritime support infrastructure;

• Environmental considerations; and

• Unique opportunities.



This report provides the basis for selecting the most promising sites for a feasibility

demonstration project, notionally rated at 500 kW (producing 1,500 MWh annually at 40%

capacity factor) and for a first commercial plant, notionally rated at 10 MW (producing 30,000

MWh annually at 40% capacity factor). Sufficient data is provided to enable the Massachusetts

Advisory Group to select a single site for a subsequent concept-level design, performance

analysis and cost estimate



Six potential project sites were identified in Massachusetts that have both flood and ebb peak

tidal current surface velocities averaging at least 1.5 m/sec (3 knots). The depth averaged mean

extractable power (15% of the mean total depth-averaged power) at each of these sites is

indicated below:



1. Blynman Canal (0.003 MW)

2. Muskeget Channel (2.0 MW)

3. West Chop, Nantucket Sound (power density below 0.7 kW/m2)

4. Norton Point,Vineyard Sound (power density below 0.7 kW/m2)

5. Woods Hole Passage (0.069 MW)

6. Cape Cod Canal (1.4 MW)



Although Cape Cod Canal has the highest power density of any potential tidal stream energy

conversion site in Massachusetts, there is insufficient space to site TISEC devices within the

navigation safety margins specified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.



From the standpoint of a total yearly average extractable power, the site of choice is Muskeget

Channel. Significant electrical grid upgrades, however, will be required to support a commercial

plant larger than 500 kW. 

Massachusetts Tidal In-Stream Energy Conversion (TISEC): Survey and Characterization of Potential Project Sites is located in Massachusetts, United States of America.