Customized Tidal Power Conversion Devices

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Program:
OPEN 2012
Award:
$3,465,143
Location:
Providence, Rhode Island
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
03/20/2013 - 05/31/2017

Technology Description:

Brown University is developing a power conversion device to maximize power production and reduce costs to capture energy from flowing water in rivers and tidal basins. Conventional methods to harness energy from these water resources face a number of challenges, including the costs associated with developing customized turbine technology to a specific site. Additionally, sites with sufficient energy exist near coastal habitats which depend on the natural water flow to transport nutrients. Brown University’s tidal power conversion devices can continuously customize themselves by using an onboard computer and control software to respond to real-time measurements, which will increase tidal power conversion efficiency. Brown University’s technology will allow for inexpensive installation and software upgrades and optimized layout of tidal power generators to maximize power generation and mitigate environmental impacts.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Brown University’s tidal power conversion device would reduce the costs of producing electricity from flowing water and reduce harmful emissions associated with energy production because there are no emissions associated with tidal power conversion.

Security:

Increased availability of renewable power would help diversify the U.S. energy portfolio, allowing homeowners and businesses access to a grid that is less dependent on any one source of power.

Environment:

Providing clean electricity would significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation. Presently, over 40% of U.S. CO2 emissions come from electricity generation.

Economy:

Enabling alternative sources of energy like wind and solar can help stabilize and reduce the price of energy. This could result in significant cost savings over fossil fuels in the years to come.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Christopher Atkinson
Project Contact:
Prof. Shreyas Mandre
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
shreyas_mandre@brown.edu

Partners

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

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Release Date:
03/02/2012