Technical review of companies able to support the education and naval installations' renewable energy goals through the use of tidal and hydro kinetic energy devices

Abstract

Tidal Energy uses the earths gravitational interactions with the sun and moon to convert hydraulic energy into usable electric power for various uses. The orbital and rotational effects of the sun and moon create tidal patterns which may be reasonably predicted as opposed to other forms of renewable energy. The energy available can be measured by the difference in tide heights or velocities depending on the application of the tidal device. Today's challenges focus on overcoming the minimum energy necessary to effectively power the turbines, initial project costs, meeting peak load demands, and low impacts to the environment. The United States Navy is currently on a tenacious path to explore energy saving technology that could be used in isolated and remote locations as well as various climate conditions to supplement the Navy's power generation requirements. Executive Orders 13693 and 13514 mandate the reduction of energy intensity coupled with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 28% by Fiscal year 2020 from a year 2008 baseline. The purpose of this research is to conduct a technical review of companies capable of supporting the Navy's global goal in reduction of greenhouse gases for future Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation or financed energy type contracts. The methodology for technical review will include examining the company's corporate experience, past performance, environmental compliance, permitting, and the ability to operate internationally. The study of the Technical Review of Companies able to Support the Education and Naval Installations' Renewable Energy Goals through the use of Tidal and Hydro Kinetic Energy Devices would fit the call in the graduate division and it is consistent with the division objectives. Furthermore, the study is relevant to the ASEE division's mission and the scope is interdisciplinary including design, development and research. The research paper was a term project for a public works engineering and management class that is offered each fall semester. This makes it relevant to the theme of the ASEE Graduate Studies Division.