The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1903-09-30
NO POWER IN THE TIDE.
Wave Motors Have Met with No
Degree of Success,

Regardless of the fact that up to the
present time no commercial applica-
tion has been made of the various wave
and tide motors devised by various in
ventors there still seems to be a fascin-
alton about the subject which leads
men to devote their time and energy to
solution of the problem, as the pat
ept records testify, says the Western
Electrician.
1t is now generally conceded that
power cannot be developed to advan-
tage from the tides. Indeed, the total
power represented by the rise and fall
OF the water due to tides Is far less
than is generally supposed, and when
one stops to consider the added loss
In the necessary machinery the idea
of using the tides for any useful pur-
pose seems impracticable. Some In
ventors have advocated the scheme
of constructing vast basins or reser
voirs, to be filled and emptied by the
rise and fall of the tide, which will
drive turbines or water wheels. But
this scheme does not seem feasible, for
as a recent writer. has pointed out,
70 cubic feet of water falling 10 feet
would be needed per minute to get
single horsepower. For 1000 horse
power not less than $4,000 cubic feet
per minute, or 100000 cubic feet per
tide, must be provided. A reservoir 500
feet long, 500 feet wide and 20 feet
deep is an object of some magnitude.
hn hnu t,at
inasmuch as the whole fall of 20 feet
would not be continuously available, a
much larger volume of water would be
required.
Somewhat more productive of re-
suits, however, is the utilization of the
energy Of the waves, and many inven-
tions have been patented for machines
TO accomplish this purpose. Though
none Of these has ever been put to any
considerable use. still there is a possi-
bility that some day they may be per-
fectei to such an extent that they will
be used for purposes where an inter
mittent source of power will serve.
There have been numerous and va
ried devices proposed. Many work
upon the principle of a float geared
through proper mechanical means to
shaft or some other driving appara-
tus. AS the float rises and falls with
the waves, reciprocating motion is
impaired to the machinery. 1t will be
seen that, in order to obtain any con-
siderable power by this means, floats
of large displacement must be provid-
ed.
Another common device is an ar
rangement Of cylinders and pistons SO
placed in the water that rising wave
will force water into the lower end OF
the cylinder and drive the piston up
ward; then as the water recedes, a
vacuum will be formed and the piston
forced down by air pressure. This
machine possesses commendable fea-
lures and would likely be more eff
cient than another, built upon alto.
gether different plans, which consists |
Of boat carrying in its centre slid. |
ing weigh which rushes back and forth
as the boat is inclined one way or |
the other by the waves and impacts
upon buffers situated in the ends,
which in turn are connected to the pis.
tons of air-compressor cylinders.
A serious drawback to all tidal or
wave machines is the fact that the |
power Is developed Internationally,
which would make It unsatisfactory for |
steady loads.