Minimizing Ecological Impacts of Marine Energy Lighting

Abstract

Marine energy is poised to become an important renewable energy contributor for the U.S., but widespread deployment of the technology hinges on its benefits outweighing the potential ecological impacts. One stressor marine energy installations introduce is light, which is known to cause varying responses among wildlife and has not yet been addressed as an environmental concern. This review discusses requirements and regulations for similar structures and how lighting design choices can be made to meet these requirements while minimizing environmental consequences. More practical guidance on implementing lighting for marine energy is needed, as well as updated guidelines to reflect technological and research advances. Known responses of wildlife to light are introduced in addition to how the responses of individuals may lead to ecosystem-level changes. The impact of light associated with marine energy installations can be reduced by following basic guidance provided herein, such as removing excess lighting, using lights with high directionality, and employing controls to reduce light levels. Continued research on animal responses to light, such as findings on minimum light levels for animal responses, alongside the development of highly-sensitivity spectral characterization capabilities can further inform lighting guidelines for deploying future open ocean marine energy devices.

Optimizing Light Intensity with PID Control

“…These instrumental variables encompass various factors, ranging from control valve positioning and damper aperture Eriko Alfian, Optimizing Light Intensity with PID Control adjustment to the regulation of heating element power inputs [8]. These real-time adaptations, aimed at optimizing system performance, are meticulously determined by leveraging the Proportional Controller's equation ( 1), the Proportional-Integral Controller's equation (2), and the PID Controller's equation (3). The PID controller empowers precise and responsive light intensity regulation by systematically integrating control algorithms, fostering enhanced energy efficiency and operational adaptability [9].…”

“…However, the energy utilization for lighting often needs to be more proficient, resulting in lights unnecessarily being active despite sufficient ambient illumination. In response to this challenge, the deployment of a light-level control system is warranted, employing a light sensor integrated with the Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control technique [2].…”

A Summary of Environmental Monitoring Recommendations for Marine Energy Development That Considers Life Cycle Sustainability

“…Minimal information is known about this potential stressor and how it relates to ocean renewable energy and associated marine navigation systems. This research provided an important, initial review of the potential stressor, introducing early mitigation strategies for reducing the impact of light at night [15]. Lighting for ME devices should be minimized where possible to reduce their ecological impacts, especially when the light is directed upward or into the water [15].…”

“…This research provided an important, initial review of the potential stressor, introducing early mitigation strategies for reducing the impact of light at night [15]. Lighting for ME devices should be minimized where possible to reduce their ecological impacts, especially when the light is directed upward or into the water [15]. The use of timers, dimmers, flashing lights, lower lighting intensities, and light-emitting diode lights are all recommended best practices.…”

“…The research reviewed technologies and methods to measure the impacts of ME devices in the open ocean and riverine environments around current energy converter (CEC) devices and a wave energy converter (WEC). During the course of performing these other tests, TFiT research identified a potential new stressor-anthropogenic light [15]. Furthermore, the TFiT recommendations provided empirical data that can inform models (as identified in [16]) and field-tested technology approaches for measuring various stressors (as identified in [17]).…”