Research Topic for Science High School Freshman in Physics

[Rod Alexei]

I am having trouble creating new ideas for a physics research paper. My group has three members and we are all interested in generators that run on renewable energy. Unfortunately, we haven't found a topic yet, and the deadline is looming. We don't have a research adviser as well because to get one, we must present a proposal. Any advice or suggestions would really help. Thank you very much!
We are just a bunch of 15 year olds who aren't experts. I tried to read some journals but they all seem too advanced.

 

[Drakkith]

we are all interested in generators that run on renewable energy.

Well, there are several areas to choose from. Hydropower (dams), solar cells and other forms of solar energy, wind power, and geothermal are the main categories, but there are a few more. Other than solar cells, all the others here typically use a generator to create electricity. Were you specifically interested in generators?

 

[Rod Alexei]

Well, there are several areas to choose from. Hydropower (dams), solar cells and other forms of solar energy, wind power, and geothermal are the main categories, but there are a few more. Other than solar cells, all the others here typically use a generator to create electricity. Were you specifically interested in generators?

I was thinking of studying "Dynamic Tidal Power". I am currently reading papers about it right now. I don't really have a strong background in how these sorts of machines work but I am willing to try. Do you think this is a good topic for a novice?

 

[Drakkith]

You should be able to understand the basics without too much difficulty, but it's hard to say since I have no idea what this project will be like. The basic idea for anything involving a generator is that you have an electrical generator hooked up to something which turns it. A diesel generator uses a diesel engine to turn the generator which provides electricity. A generator at a hydropower plant is hooked up to turbines which are turned by flowing water. Dynamic tidal power uses the tides to power the generators in a similar manner to a normal dam. Do you understand the difference between a normal dam and one used in dynamic tidal power?

 

[Rod Alexei]

It is much safer than a normal barrage or dam and is more efficient.
Also the way they produce energy.

 

[Drakkith]

Also the way they produce energy.

That's the meat of your project, I'd guess. Explain how they produce energy and how this is unique.

 

[CapnGranite]

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/0688...ve-produced-electricity-us-goes-online-hawaii
America's first wave-produced power goes online in Hawaii
"By some estimates, the ocean's endless motion packs enough power to meet a quarter of America's energy needs and dramatically reduce the nation's reliance on oil, gas and coal. But wave energy technology lags well behind wind and solar power, with important technical hurdles still to be overcome." Tackle some of those hurdles.