Tidal & Wave Power
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Transcript Tidal & Wave Power
Tidal & Wave Power
Andrew Chavous & Carlo Raiteri
Tides
Tides are the rise and
fall of sea levels
caused by the
combined effects of the
gravitational forces
exerted by the Moon
and the Sun and the
rotation of the Earth.
What is Tidal Energy
Tidal power, also called tidal energy, is a form
of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into
useful forms of power - mainly electricity. This is the
only form of energy whose source is the moon.
History of Tidal Energy
Tide mills are one of the oldest forms of energy
787 A.D. on Spanish, French and British coasts
The incoming water was contained in large storage ponds,
and as the tide went out it turned waterwheels producing
mechanical power to mill grain
19th century – Process of using Tidal Power to create
electricity was introduced in U.S. and Europe
1966 – First large-scale tidal power plant was built in France
Examples of Tidal Energy
Generation
Tidal Barrage
Tidal Streams (turbines)
Tidal Lagoons
Tidal Barrage
The Rance tidal barrage in North-West France is
one of the largest in the world
Tidal Streams
Make use of the kinetic energy of moving water to
power turbines in a similar way to wind turbines that
use wind to power turbines
Tidal Lagoons
Pros & Cons of Tidal Energy
PROS
CONS
Consistent Power
Marine Life Affected
Pollution-Free
High Initial Cost
Low Operating Costs
Device Breakdown
Renewable
Only provides power for around 10 hrs
Efficient
Few suitable sites for tidal barrages
Tides are predictable
Locations are often remote
Impacts are local not global
May restrict access to open water
Provide a storm surge barrier
Can change tidal levels
Decreases salinity in tidal basins
Captures waste near the coast
Reduces kinetic energy of the ocean
Future of Tidal Energy
Potential for future electricity generation
Tides are more predictable than wind and solar energy.
Many recent technological developments and
improvements, both in design and turbine technology,
indicate that the total availability of tidal power may be
much higher than previously assumed
Economic and environmental costs may be brought
down to competitive levels.
Wave Energy
Wave power devices take energy directly from surface
waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface.
Wave power is of course powered by waves. As a wave
goes by, the buoy rotates and transforms mechanical
energy into electrical energy.
History of Wave Energy
First patent to use energy converted from waves dates back
to 1799 in Paris.
From 1855 to 1973 there was a drastic increase in exploring
potential of wave energy, as 340 patents were filed in
England alone.
During the 1970's gasoline crisis, wave power was pushed
in order to be a good long term energy solution.
Later, the energy crisis was resolved yet the leaps and
bounds made in the innovation of wave power remained.
2008 – First experimental wave farm opened in Portugal
Example of Wave Energy
Pros & Cons of Wave Energy
PROS
Consistent Power
Pollution Free
Low Operating Cost
Renewable
Minimal Visual Impact
Efficient
Shoreline Protection
Enormous Energy Potential
Offshore Wave Power
CONS
Marine Life Effected (not
sure)
Device Breakdown
High Initial Cost
Few Implemented
Early Stages of Development
Future of Wave Energy
Wave power has an enormous global potential.
We need more funding and research to polish the
technology involved, pushing prices down to a
competitive level.
Price for generating energy from ocean waves is still
about twice as high as that of wind energy.