ENGS 89/90 Reports

Year of Graduation

2025

Project Advisor

Colin Meyer

Instructor

Solomon Diamond

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, marine energy presents a key opportunity for a renewable future by harnessing the natural movement of water to generate clean, stable power. Our team is developing a vertical-axis tidal turbine designed specifically for oyster farmers and hatcheries in New England. This turbine attaches to dock pilings, providing a non-invasive and energy-efficient solution to support the high energy demands of aquaculture operations. Oyster hatcheries rely on consistent energy for water filtration, temperature regulation, and algae production, yet they often lack access to reliable and renewable power sources. By integrating tidal energy into their infrastructure, our system ensures resilient, localized energy production while minimizing environmental impact. The turbine’s vertical-axis design allows it to operate efficiently in shallow, low-flow environments, making it well-suited for nearshore aquaculture sites. As part of the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC), supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), we are working closely with industry mentors, oyster farmers, and coastal stakeholders to refine our design, ensuring ease of installation, maintenance, and long-term viability. As climate change drives the need for decarbonization and energy resilience, our innovative tidal turbine offers a scalable model for integrating marine energy into aquaculture, paving the way for a more sustainable future for coastal communities.

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