Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group Students: Oliver Booth Paul Edwards Gareth McMann Leila Tavendale Supervisor: Dr George A Aggidis. February 4 th, THE WYRE ESTUARY: Tidal Stream, Reefs, Fence & Lagoon Technology Options

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group OVERVIEW Introduction Aims and Objectives Tidal Stream Tidal Reefs Tidal Fences Tidal Lagoons Conclusions Next Steps

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group Alternatives to a tidal barrage –Potentially cheaper –More environmentally friendly –Less opposition from public Conceptual technology –Mostly theoretical ideas –Not commercially available yet INTRODUCTION

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group Examine feasibility of using alternative technologies Estimate power outputs and costing Identify the environmental and societal impacts Determine optimum site location AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group TIDAL STREAM Tidal stream energy is the kinetic energy contained within the currents of water generated by the ebb and flow of the tides. The technology used to extract this energy can be divided into four main types. Horizontal axis turbine Vertical axis turbine Venturi effect turbine Reciprocating Devices

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group The lowest cut in speed for any tidal stream turbine currently been developed is 0.7ms -1 and have working depths of 25+m. There are no tidal stream readings for the Wyre Estuary itself, from the Atlas Pages maps you can see the closest data set shows the following: TIDAL STREAM TideVelocity ms -1 Peak Spring0.25 Peak Neap0.15 Velocity ms -1 Power Density kWm

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group Concept idea: Low-head power generation (2m). Light impounding structure. Using proportions and Severn Estuary studies, potential output of 630GWha -1. Alternative calculations give 77 – 169TWha -1. TIDAL REEF

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group Impacts on shipping: reduced shipping means higher power generation. Environmental impacts: one of the greenest impound technologies available. ‘Environmentally friendly alternative to a conventional barrage’. Societal impacts: less tourism than a barrage, low visual impact and reduced opportunity for water sports and leisure activities. TIDAL REEF

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group TIDAL FENCE Permanently blocks off a section of the estuary Does not have to block shipping lanes Two main technology types: Tidal stream devices in a fence array Blue Energy David Hydro Turbine Vertical axis Venturi duct Actual fence device VerdErg – Spectral Marine Energy Converter Pressure drop draws water through turbine

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group TIDAL FENCE Has a cut in speed of 1ms -1 The Venturi duct does not provide enough acceleration to rotate the turbine Unproven technology Rated to be able to work in all speeds Efficiency unknown Power in the water at sites: North – 8.33MW Central/South – 4.16MW

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group TIDAL LAGOON Concept using the idea of natural lagoons Water released from lagoon through turbines once the tide has subsided Can be bi-directional – water flowing through turbines as tide rises will also generate power Currently an untested technology Feasibility study carried out at Swansea Bay

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group TIDAL LAGOON Southern location best suited Maximum output 4.275MW Over 50 year lifetime – 1,816,500,000kWh Price: 1.6pence/kWh

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group CONCLUSIONS Tidal Stream: still not commercially available, the technology would have to be taken to the resource, reduction in tourism as there is no visual site in estuary. Tidal Reef: unproven technology, unknown costs and variable power output. More development time and prototype testing needed before technology should be considered as a solution. Tidal Fence: unproven technology with unknown costs. Full scale testing must be complete before real estimates of power and costs can calculated. Tidal Lagoon: feasible, may not be necessarily what is wanted by the people of Fleetwood & surrounding area.

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group Tidal Stream: selection of a site, power generation estimations, installation cost estimations. Tidal Reef: power generation estimates need more work to give a realistic idea. Tidal Fence: a different selection of site would be more worthwhile for this technology. Tidal Lagoon: consider lagoon pumping, and the possibility of locating a lagoon in Morecambe Bay. FURTHER WORK

Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group Student: Name Supervisor: Dr George A Aggidis THE WYRE ESTUARY: Tidal Stream, Reefs, Fence & Lagoon Technology Options Any Questions? Students: Oliver Booth Paul Edwards Gareth McMann Leila Tavendale Supervisor: Dr George A Aggidis. Thank You