Practical implementation of the magnetohydrodynamic effect in the tidal currents of the Barents Sea: a feasibility study

Utilization of pollution-free and renewable energy sources, including tidal energy was in a focus of the study aimed at assessing feasibility of electricity generation from the kinetic energy of the tidal waves and the kinetic energy of the charged particles (seawater ions) moving in the magnetic field. The developed model generator of the system of acting Kislogubskaya tidal power station in Murmansk region with implementation of MHD channel demonstrated economic viability of solution. A full-scale utilization of Kislogubskaya station would help to redistribute electricity surplus for residential heating purposes and increase the level of environmental safety. The environmental benefit of the proposed solution is associated with CO₂ emission reductions (727 t/year), which can bring additional income to the regional budget

In my case, the idea of creating this project came far from spontaneously. It all started with the study of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect as a physical phenomenon. At that time, I thought it was very unusual and interesting to investigate. After that, a model of the MHD generator was created, and the next year I decided to try to scrutinize the use of this effect on a global level. So the idea came up to explore the prospect of using the MHD effect at the Kislogubskaya tidal power plant. As a result of working on the project, I suggested that, in addition to the economic benefits, it is possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in my region by using the received electricity for social needs, rather than polluting fuel oil.

- The aim of this research was to assess feasibility of electricity generation from the kinetic energy of the tidal waves and the kinetic energy of the charged particles (seawater ions) moving in the magnetic field. - I studied the physics of MHD effect and developed a model generator that utilized this effect. - I calculated the EMF value for Kislogubskaya TPS with a MHD channel (193,2 V). The maximum output of my model generator was 33 kW. I assumed that the maximum efficiency of the MHD channel could be attained if only 10% of total power output was lost due to heating losses. Under this assumption, the power output of the model generator was 13,2 kW, of which the net power was 11,9 kW, and the efficiency of the MHD cannel was 90%. - The net power taken from the MHD channel and absorbed by the external circuit, can be adjusted by changing the channel resistance (changing its cross-section and length), the water current velocity, or magnetic induction. - Generation of direct current suggested that accumulation of electric energy by the hybrid storage batteries could be economically viable. This solution can be used to meet the energy demands during both peak and off-peak hours. - Residential heating in the Murmansk region heavily (by 90%) depends upon the imported fuel oil. This dependency undermines the environmental safety of the region. For this reason, a full-scale utilization of Kislogubskaya TPS would help to redistribute a certain fraction of its electricity surplus for residential heating purposes. This solution would increase the level of environmental safety in the region. - The environmental benefit of the proposed solution is associated with CO2 emission reductions (727 t/year). These reductions can bring additional income to the regional budget (half-million Rubles). - Electricity surplus can be used for street lighting during the polar night, preheating of car engines in winter, charging of electric cars, scooters, or boats (in future).