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PROJECT DETAILS

Author(s)
Dr. Hansong Tang
Publication Year
Publication Type

High-resolution simulation is made to model tidal energy along the coastlines of New Jersey (NJ) and its neighbor states with an unprecedentedly fine grid. On the basis of the simulation, a thorough search is made for sites for tidal power generation, with special attention to locations near transportation infrastructures, considering factors such as power density, surface area, water depth, and environmentally sensitive zones, and it also examines effects of sea-level-rise (SLR). A list of 32 top sites with power density over 250 W/m2 are identified at the coast, and among them, 21 sites with total surface area of 13 km2 are at the NJ coast, and many sites are next to bridges. 10 favorable sites are also sorted out near ports, docks, and marinas along its coastlines. It is found that SLR could substantially affect tidal energy distribution at the identified sites, and it is a factor that has to be taken into consideration in site selections. The identified sites and estimates for their associated parameters will serve as a basis for actual development of tidal power in this region.