tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800828841873738105.post8138537485219556573..comments2023-07-02T06:58:33.737-05:00Comments on WebberEnergyBlog: Turbines in the WaterMichael E. Webber, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12416546342365493633noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800828841873738105.post-31566466501469524812009-05-10T20:24:00.000-05:002009-05-10T20:24:00.000-05:00Interesting post and neat technology.
In respon...Interesting post and neat technology. <br /><br />In response to the comment above, current tends to flow strongest in the portion of a river/estuary that is deepest when you examine a cross section that is perpendicular to the direction of flow. This is partially a function of the way these rivers were "carved out" and a partially a function of fluid mechanics and the greater significance of boundary effects in shallow spots. I would think that this would mean that most of these turbines would be ideally placed in deeper portion of the river where navigational constraints would be less of an issue. In addition, I am sure that the naval architects in charge of these projects are smart enough to install these turbines in deep enough water so that no surface bourn craft (i.e. not a submarine) would interfere with the blades in the lowest conceivable water level scenario. Unless, of course, they got their Naval Architecture degree from A&M-Galveston.contangohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03281610372906976026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800828841873738105.post-30416306440415777892009-05-08T17:11:00.000-05:002009-05-08T17:11:00.000-05:00That's and interesting place to harness power. I ...That's and interesting place to harness power. I can't see rivers providing enough power to be a significant contribution to our energy consumption, but like you said, every small step helps.<br /><br />What I do worry about is how these turbines would affect transportation; although they are out of sight and out of mind, they may interfere with shipping routes along the Mississippi River or other boats. If they decide to make them bigger, the turbine blades may very well stick out of the water when water level drops.kohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13546209174475918806noreply@blogger.com