Tidal PowerTidal power is power generated from the flow of changing tides passing through turbines.
Tidal power has the advantage of being consistent and predictable. Currently it is not viable due to installation costs, effeciency, and maintenance costs being too high relative to other renewable energy sources. Our goal is to improve the viability of tidal power. A typical example of biofouling on the hull of a boat.
Doug Becker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougbeckers/4875279836/ BiofilmsWhile normally biofilms, being a form of biofouling, increase drag, our goal is to create a biofilm that can serve as a protective coating.
The goal will to create a biofilm that is self-replicating, self-regulating, smooth, and resistant to colonization. This biofilm will ideally protect against foreign growth, while maintaining a smoothness that does not detrimentally increase drag. |
Atlantis Resources Limited installs its first tidal turbine.
www.prnewswire.com BiofoulingBiofouling is a primary limitation for tidal power. Biofouling is the fouling of marine life on underwater surfaces. In the case of tidal power, fouling can cause a distinct increase in drag and lead to decreased efficiency, and frequent maintenance requirements.
The five stages of biofilm growth
https://openstax.org/books/microbiology/pages/1-introduction |