Master's Thesis Defense: Harnessing Tidal Energy in the Westfjords
On Thursday April 22, by tradition, we welcome the first day of summer in Iceland. At the University Centre of the Westfjords there is another reason to celebrate since on this day the first master's thesis oral defense will take place. Bjarni M. Jónsson will defend his thesis entitled Harnessing Tidal Energy in the Westfjords.
Earlier this winter a few graduating students gave public presentations on their 30 credit masters theses, but since Bjarni's thesis is for 60 credits a formal oral defense must take place.
The defense will take place on Thursday April 22, in room 1-2 at the University Centre, and begins at 4 pm. It is open to the public.
The thesis advisor is Dr. Þorsteinn Ingi Sigfússon, Director of the Innovation Centre Iceland.
External reader is Dr. John Nyboer, Research Associate at Simon Frasier University, Vancouver.
Abstract
This thesis presents for the first time a serious and original attempt to provide direction for harnessing tidal power in the western fjords of Iceland, and focuses on the barrage method as the most propitious technology to meet this goal. The feasibility of utilizing tidal energy as a renewable energy source in this area is approached from a scientific as well as a practical viewpoint.
Evaluating measurements of tidal currents, Fourier analysis of water heights time series, estimations of energy potential in selected locations in the Westfjords, evidence points toward the tidal barrage as the most promising approach to electrical generation in designated fjords. Preliminary findings indicate favorable conditions in a few specific areas.
In one such location, Gilsfjörður, a tidal barrage is already in place, making the addition of a power plant both cost-effective and practical. In another, a new road crossing is planned over three fjords, Þorskafjörður, Djúpifjörður and Gufufjörður. Combining road construction in the common mouth of these fjords, with tidal power plant development, addresses a range of local and regional issues, and would result in a maximum potential of about 70 MW of renewable periodic energy, producing a total of 144 GWh per year.
Earlier this winter a few graduating students gave public presentations on their 30 credit masters theses, but since Bjarni's thesis is for 60 credits a formal oral defense must take place.
The defense will take place on Thursday April 22, in room 1-2 at the University Centre, and begins at 4 pm. It is open to the public.
The thesis advisor is Dr. Þorsteinn Ingi Sigfússon, Director of the Innovation Centre Iceland.
External reader is Dr. John Nyboer, Research Associate at Simon Frasier University, Vancouver.
Abstract
This thesis presents for the first time a serious and original attempt to provide direction for harnessing tidal power in the western fjords of Iceland, and focuses on the barrage method as the most propitious technology to meet this goal. The feasibility of utilizing tidal energy as a renewable energy source in this area is approached from a scientific as well as a practical viewpoint.
Evaluating measurements of tidal currents, Fourier analysis of water heights time series, estimations of energy potential in selected locations in the Westfjords, evidence points toward the tidal barrage as the most promising approach to electrical generation in designated fjords. Preliminary findings indicate favorable conditions in a few specific areas.
In one such location, Gilsfjörður, a tidal barrage is already in place, making the addition of a power plant both cost-effective and practical. In another, a new road crossing is planned over three fjords, Þorskafjörður, Djúpifjörður and Gufufjörður. Combining road construction in the common mouth of these fjords, with tidal power plant development, addresses a range of local and regional issues, and would result in a maximum potential of about 70 MW of renewable periodic energy, producing a total of 144 GWh per year.
