Analyse du potentiel d'implantation d'hydroliennes au Quebec.

摘要

The main objective of this thesis is to estimate the amount of energy contained in tidal streams. Only the fastest tidal currents, close to the shores of the Province of Quebec, have been studied. These currents could then be available for the installation of tidal stream turbines, commonly named underwater windmills. This novel technology could potentially fulfill part of the world's increasing electricity demand. Compared to other power generation modes, it has numerous advantages while raising a certain number of challenges. It has now advanced to the point where tidal stream turbines will be available for commercial exploitation between 2007 and 2010.; A certain number of studies have established physical criteria (including minimal tidal current speed and optimal water depth) that ensure cost-effective power generation from hydrokinetic turbines. Two domains, the Saint-Lawrence Estuary, from Trois-Rivieres to Cap de Bon-Desir and the Hudson Strait, including the Ungava Bay and the Foxe Basin, have been investigated. Through the results analysis, 11 sites among both domains have been identified as sufficiently energetic. The energy flux method, as opposed to the "farm" method, was used to calculate the total mean annualised power of these sites. The available power was then calculated using a significant impact factor which limits the maximal energy that can be extracted from a given site without causing significant change in flow speeds or significant environmental impacts.; The study has shown that the total amount of energy contained in the 4 sites of the Saint-Lawrence Estuary is 5.40 TWh/year. The total resource of the 7 sites of the Hudson Straight sums up to 47.28 TWh/year. In order to limit environmental and economical impacts, the available energy for extraction is probably limited to 50% (or 2.70 TWh/year) for the first domain and to 20% (or 9.46 TWh/year) for the second one. Other environmental, economical, physical and biological constraints must then be taken into account for certain sites to come to a technologically active state.; Nonetheless, the amount of available energy of this untapped resource is significant. It accounts for 7.37% of Quebec's actual electricity demand and could increase if Quebec's rivers were eventually included in the analysis. This potent source of energy is renewable, non-polluting, reliable and predictable years in advance. It is essential to keep an eye on tidal stream turbines technology if we later want to fulfill Quebec's need for energy, as well as combat global warming worldwide.