Electric Vehicles In An Electric-Centric World- Part 6-Biomass-Tidal

BIOMASS

Although this form of energy created from using the refuse and waste of other activities such as lumbering and wood milling sounds appealing, it has serious ecological drawbacks. First, it invokes the perception of "deforestation". Cutting trees and using the "slash" as fuel disrupts entire ecosystems and removes the natural lungs of our own biosphere [i.e., trees].

Lastly, there is a risk, over time, of soil nutrient depletion created by removing organic matter from the soil without replacement. This phenomenon happens when corn is planted in the same location, year after year, without providing organic fertilizer. At some point the soil nutrients are depleted to the point where no plant matter can grow and it becomes a barren surface. Witness the "Dust Bowl" of the 1930's, which was caused in part by poor farming practices.

TIDAL/DEEP CURRENT²

The oceans and moon; tides aplenty. Here we have a potentially consistent and reliable source of semi "base-load" electric power, with tides occurring two times [incoming and outgoing] every 24 hour period. However, tidal peaks may vary in terms of frequency [time between tidal flow and time during the day in which the tides move] and in velocity [strength], depending on the orbit of the earth and moon and the gravitational pull produced by the moon and the alignment of the moon with other planets, the sun and the earth. Peak tidal periods, hence peak electrical generation from tidal sources, may not coincide with peak electrical use and need. So, this option is somewhat variable. Nevertheless, tidal power presents a potentially large source of electric generating capacity that must be fully developed and utilized if a truly electric-centric automobile future is to be realized.

With similar potential, electricity generated by the new generation of kinetic turbines that can be situated in deep current zones must be considered. Deep currents, such as those which exist in larger rivers, fjords, bays or straights [e.g., the Gulf Stream where it passes through the Straights of Florida and between the Greater Bahama Bank, Bimini and adjoining islands and the east coast of Florida], must be considered as a consistent and reliable "base-load" source of electricity.

Deep currents generally flow with a predictable consistency and have been stable for thousands of years. Forming the structure of the global thermal "conveyor belt" that flows throughout all five oceans [Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, Antarctic], this source of potential energy can be relied upon for the indefinite future. Yet concerns have recently arisen and have been expressed that global warming may eventually disrupt this thermal conveyor system with catastrophic effects. The disruption results when polar ice melts in response to global warming and the resulting fresh water runs off into the ocean and reduces the salinity of the surrounding ocean water. Reduction in salinity occurs when the ice melt [predominantly fresh water] mixes with the salty ocean water. Reduction in salinity in turn leads to changes in water density [less dense], thereby altering the current's flow.

This above doomsday scenario aside, huge technical hurdles presently exist and are associated with the following: working in deep waters [atmospheric pressure]; servicing turbines and associated electrical equipment at depth; the corrosive effects of salt water on metal turbine systems; inward and outward flow of the current depending on the direction of prevailing winds which will actually push currents to a degree thereby reducing the overall efficiency of the system because water will not impact the turbine blades in the most efficient position.

Moreover, the short-term and long-term affects of wide-scale use of current turbines on sea-life on a macro level [fish migration] and micro level [plankton displacement and mixing] have not been adequately studied. Accordingly, potential environmental damage can not be deduced with any true degree of accuracy until after such systems have been installed and their actual impacts appropriately studied and assessed.

Lastly, the technological challenges associated with establishing a transmission network from the sea to the coastal plain - irrespective of what may prove to be an extremely costly endeavor - may militate against widespread use of this source of electricity.

2: Wave-generated electricity is another potential source of energy that may be tapped. However, the complicated technology and other practical considerations - such as creating obstructive navigation hazards - may limit its wide spread use. And, as with wind turbines, wave energy and the amount of electricity that can be generated from this source of energy, is subject to the vagaries of the mechanical power - wind - which produces the waves. Think of a dead calm sea.

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