The scene of the tidal power station.(Photo:Guangzhou Daily)

  BEIJING, Jan. 25 -- The tsunami that engulfed more than 100,000 people in the South Asian region was actually a sudden release of nature's energy. Under normal conditions, this tidal energy can also be utilized by humans. Recently, the Ocean Energy Division of the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion of the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed the world's first independent and stable tidal power generation system, which allows humans to convert tidal energy into stable electrical energy for the first time.

    You Yage, director of the Ocean Energy Division of the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, said this tidal power system would integrate three functions into one, namely tidal power generation, fresh water production and direct power consumption. Trials were expected to begin at the end of this year.

    The easternmost part of the Zhelang Peninsula at Shanwei City is covered with rocks and is famous for its strong winds and surging waves. According to the nautical chart, the vertical depth along the rocky seashore is about seven to eight meters. Therefore, seawater can surge to the shore without any obstacles and form tremendous waves there.

    Research on an independent tidal power generation system was first proposed and implemented by the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, which is currently one of the world's leaders in terms of tidal energy conversion methods and power generation stability. Prior to that, the world's advanced countries had spent a lot of time researching tidal power technology. Some EU countries had even used expensive generators, but were still unable to generate stable electricity and were merely able to transmit unstable electrical energy to the power grids.

    It is reported that the wave power system has already gone through the 10kW grade actual sea tests. An independent tidal power station with a total capacity of 50kW is currently under construction, which will allow a maximum output of 400kW. So far, a test model of the wave energy desalination station has been set up, and has passed simulated tests in the laboratory. It is expected to begin actual sea trials in February and commence trial production at the end of this year.


(Source: chinanews.cn)