Determination of Potential Tidal Power Sites at East Malaysia

Abstract

Tidal range energy is one of the most predictable and reliable sources of renewable energy. This study’s main aim is to determine potential sites for tidal range power in East Malaysia, by analyzing tidal range distributions and resources and the feasibility of constructing barrages. Investigation was conducted in 34 sites, estimating their potential energy outputs and studying their areas for constructing barrages. Only 18 sites were marked as appropriate for constructing a tidal range energy extraction barrage. The highest potential power was found in Tanjung Manis, and its maximum capacity was calculated as 50.7kW. The second highest potential of tidal power extraction was found in Kuching Barrage at Pending, where an energy harvester could produce electric power up to 33.1kW.

The Energy Output from the Kuching Barrage in East Malaysia

“…The relationship of (1) and ( 3) is that (1) can be used to calculate the daily potential energy and (3) can be used to calculate the annually power output. Authors in [18] researched the potential energy generation on total 34 sites at Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia and identified 18 sites as suitable for the construction of a barrage to generate energy. Moreover, these suitable sites were supposed as preliminary, as the final sites should be supposed after conducting a feasibility study.…”

Current Status and Possible Future Applications of Marine Current Energy Devices in Malaysia: A Review

“…The potential energy that could be harnessed is 20.17 MW daily and 35.41 GWh annually [48]. In the study by Samo et al [50], the potential extractable energy of the 34 tidal range sites in the East Malaysia coastline was investigated. They found the highest potential power was in Tanjung Manis in Sarawak measured between 50.7 kW and 39.2 kW, while the second-highest power was found in Pending, between 33.1 kW and 25.1 kW [50].…”

“…In the study by Samo et al [50], the potential extractable energy of the 34 tidal range sites in the East Malaysia coastline was investigated. They found the highest potential power was in Tanjung Manis in Sarawak measured between 50.7 kW and 39.2 kW, while the second-highest power was found in Pending, between 33.1 kW and 25.1 kW [50]. There is already an existing barrage at the Pending site, and this is the only site where power could be generated by just installing turbines.…”

Suitable Turbine Selection based on the Parameters of a Potential Site at Sarawak, Malaysia

“…The lowest water range required for the operation of the turbine is between 1 and 1.5m. However, the most of tidal range power plants use low tidal range [8]. Turbine efficiency and price are side factors.…”

“…Energy from tidal range can be used for electrical power generation. A potential site to generate renewable energy from tidal range at the East Coast of Malaysia can be determined [8]. Power could be generated from the existing or a new barrage, in the isolated regions of East Malaysia.…”