On 13/05/10 13:32, Bruce wrote:
On Thu, 13 May 2010 13:04:58 +0100, Tim wrote:

On 13/05/10 12:45, Tim Streater wrote:

I favour what I'm told is "tidal stream". Effectively you take a
windmill, turn it upside down, and plonk it in the water. Remember that
the tide happens twice a day, every day. No windless days there. Still,
my niece who works in this field says that there is no silver bullet and
renewables will need to be a mix.


I like that idea. Predictable too, which will help National Grid's
supply planning.


Yes, it's predictable. It happens every 12 hours, 25 minutes so it
predictably, but inconveniently, gets 50 minutes later every day.

That means that, on some days of the week, peak power will coincide
with peak demand. On most other days, it won't. The cycle repeats
exactly every 14 days, with 27 tides per fortnight.

Not much use when demand peaks at the same times every day!

So for most of the time, not enough Watts, Tim. ;-)


Laugh? I nearly cracked a rib! ;-

Seriously... At least it seems more potent, or less impotent than wind
power. There is always demand, so I presume this means they can ramp the
gas generators down a bit which is a good thing.

But, yes, I agree. Peak demand is the big problem. I notice in the
fuller "manifesto" they mention "smart grid" and "smart meters".
Anything to smooth the demand would be good. Although I do wonder who
can take advantage? Many people have ditched electric storage heating in
favour of gas. Haven't check the prices recently but I think gas is
still cheaper than Economy 7? Not to mention that topping up in the day
is cripplingly expensive (I should know, no gas CH yet).


--
Tim Watts

Hung parliament? Rather have a hanged parliament.