Electrical Power Systems Technology

Alternative Power Systems 133

TIDAL POWER SYSTEMS

The rise and fall of waters along coastal areas, which is caused by

gravitational forces, is the basis for the tidal electrical power production

method. There are presently some tidal power systems in operation. Tidal

systems would be desirable, since they do not pollute the atmosphere, do

not consume any natural resource, and do not drastically change the sur-

rounding environment as some conventional hydroelectric systems do.

The depth of tidal water varies greatly at different times of the year.

These depths are determined by changes in the sun and moon in rela-

tion to the earth. Tides are readily predictable, since the same patterns

are established year after year. A tidal power system would have to be con-

structed where water in sufficient quantity could be stored with a mini-

mum amount of dam construction. A tidal system could be made to oper-

ate during the rise of tides and the fall of tides. Also, the pumped-storage

method could be used in conjunction with tidal systems to assure pow-

er output during peak load times. A potential tidal system site along the

United States-Canada border has been studied; however, the economic

feasibility of tidal systems at this time is not too promising. One tidal sys-

tem that is in operation is at Normandy, France.

COAL-GASIFICATION FUEL SYSTEMS

The process of coal gasification has aroused interest in recent years.

This process involves the conversion of coal or coke to a gaseous state

through a reaction with air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, or steam. Many peo-

ple feel that this process will be able to produce a natural gas substitute.

Some of the methods of producing gas from coal include:

1. The BI-CAS process, in which a reaction of coal, steam, and hydrogen
   gas produces methane gas.


2. The COCAS process, in which a liquid fuel and a gaseous fuel are pro-
   duced.


3. The CSG process (or consolidated synthetic gas process), which devel-
   ops a very slow reaction to produce methane.


4. The Hydrane process, in which methane is produced by a direct reac-
   tion of hydrogen and coal, with no intermediate gas production.


5. The Synthane process, in which methane is produced by a method in-