Energy
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Energy Solutions
At least 2 separate power generation systems should be chosen, a primary and backup, in case of emergency. The primary will support the entire infrastructure, and the backup will support all critical systems such as radio communications and Internet servers..
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Solar Power
. Solar-cell based power generation systems are efficient. They would require a larger initial investment in equipment and setup, but would be the most cost-effective over a long period of time. The solar cells will need to provide enough energy during the day to power all necessary systems, as well as charge all batteries allow power distribution while the sun is not visible (ie during the night). Lengthy storms could deplete the batterys and cripple the infrastructure. A disadvantage to using solar power is that it can take up a large surface area. The surface area required will vary with the power requirements of the nation. The amount of power available will also vary with latitude, with maximum power generation being located near the equator. Higher latitude locations will generate much less power during winter seasons, which is when more power could be required (for things such as heating).
Latitude Year Average Fraction of Equatorial Power Generation per unit area
0 degrees 100%
20 degrees 94%
40 degrees 77%
50 degrees 64%
60 degrees 50%
70 degrees 34%
Solar powered systems will typically only require new hardware or supplies when there is a malfunction. Most solar cells are built to last 5 years or more.
Information: Renewable Power
Gas/Petrol Power
Petroleum, natural gas, and coal powered systems are a more classical, mature, and commonly used technology for power generation. They will produce gas products. Coal and petroleum produce bi-products that will need to be removed from furnaces and dumped elsewhere. The maturity of this power production technology yields a less expensive option in the short term, but requires constant resupplying of fuel. Storing large amounts of fuel on-site could present a danger to inhabitants safety. This option would make a decent backup, supplemental, or emergency power supply system.
Geothermal Power
Geothermal power is power derived from turbines operating off hot, pressurized gases that the Earth expels. This technology is most useful in high tectonic activity and hot-spot zones (such as Iceland or Hawaii) where geothermal energy is abundant.
Fuel Cells
Fuel cells are a relatively new industrial technology that is not yet mature. This section needs some elaboration.
Wind Power
Wind turbines are used to extract energy from the passage of air over spinning blades. The use of Wind power will require the erection of multiple towers. This solution will provide power while the wind is blowing strongly. Excess power amounts may be stored in batteries (such as the solar power).
Wind power will likely be a very useful source of power for Sealand, as it is an island near the coast there is alot of potential for wind turbines.
With just running 80 of these 2MW turbines the wind farm has a total capacity of 160 MW. The farm would supply power to the equivalent of 150,000 households. For TPB Island this is more than enough and could use this to our economical advantage by selling power to neigbouring countries.
Information: Danish Wind Farm Administration
Nuclear Power
Nuclear power requires a large area that is far away from inhabitants, regular disposal of toxic wastes, a large regular operations and maintenance crews, and is very expensive. This solution is not practical for a small island and should not be considered.
The major problem blocking Nuclear power is the UN, too much paperwork and shenanegins to go through. It would go a long way towards making any Plan B/C island independant. However due to the drawbacks is infeasable in the short term. It is completely impossible for Plan A due to the small area Plan A consists of.
Hydrodynamic Turbine
Hydro power typically is derived from dams or streams where water constantly flows in one direction to power a turbine. This is not practical in an open ocean since water quickly changes direction.
Wave Power
Wave Power harnesses the waves power and transfers it into electricity.
Information: Free Energy News
Wave Dragon
Technology
Wave Dragon is a floating, slack-moored energy converter of the overtopping type that can be deployed in a single unit or in arrays of Wave Dragon units in groups resulting in a power plant with a capacity comparable to traditional fossil based power plants.
ImageThe first prototype connected to the grid is currently deployed in Nissum Bredning, Denmark. Long term testing is carried out to determine system performance; i.e. availability and power production in different sea states. The energy absorption performance stated at this website has now been independently verified and focus will now be on power production optimisation. These tests will lead to a multi-MW deployment in 2007.
Three good reasons ...
1. The Wave Dragon concept combines existing, mature offshore and hydro turbine technology in a
novel way.
2. Wave Dragon is the only wave energy converter technology under development that can be
freely up-scaled.
3. Due to its size service, maintenance and even major repair works can be carried out at
sea leading to low O&M cost relatively to other concepts.
Information: Wave Dragon Company
Purchasing
If the location chosen is nearby another nation's power generation center, then cables could be laid to purchase transmitted power from the mainland. This solution would require the least infrastructure on the island, but would leave the nation dependent on another nation for a basic need. Opponents of the Pirate Bay Nation might be able to pressure the power supplying nation into shutting off power.
