RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES BETCK105E

TIDAL POWER
Tides and Waves as Energy Sources
Tides:

Tidal energy is harnessed from the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on
Earth's oceans. The moon's gravitational force causes tides to rise and fall in a predictable
pattern. There are two high tides and two low tides in a 24-hour period. Tidal energy can be
extracted through various technologies, including tidal stream generators, tidal range

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technologies, and tidal lagoons.

Energy from tides can be tapped in two forms.

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1. Kinetic energy drawn in from the sea currents:

Kinetic energy is harnessed by employing a setup that is similar to a wind turbine.

The density of water is much higher that of air, so the kinetic energy that it can impart is also
higher. Thus, the blades of a tidal turbine are smaller than that of wind turbine, as they can
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operate at lower velocities.

2. Potential energy due to changes in water levels:

When the tide changes from high to low and vice-versa, potential energy is generated.
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In order to tap this potential energy of tides, dams need to be constructed. These dams are
called barrages. They capitalize on the differences in water level between high tide and low
tide.
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Waves:

Wave energy is derived from the kinetic and potential energy of ocean waves. Waves
are generated by the wind, and their energy content depends on factors such as wind speed,
duration, and fetch (the distance over which the wind blows). Various technologies capture
wave energy to convert it into electricity.

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1. Point Absorbers:

 Floating structures tethered to the ocean floor move with the motion of waves,
converting the mechanical energy into electricity.
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2. Attenuators:

 Long, floating structures that sway with the waves, containing multiple segments
connected by joints.
 The relative motion between segments drives hydraulic pumps, producing electricity.

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3. Overtopping Devices:
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 Shoreline structures designed to allow waves to flow into a reservoir.

 The collected water is then released, driving turbines and generating power.
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Mechanics of Tidal and Wave Energy:

 Conversion Mechanisms: Both tidal and wave energy systems convert the mechanical
motion of water into electrical power through turbines or generators.

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 Intermittency: Tidal and wave energy sources are intermittent, influenced by the
natural variability of tides and wave patterns. Energy storage and grid integration are
critical for ensuring a stable power supply.
 Environmental Impact: While these energy sources are renewable, their installations
can impact local ecosystems. Careful planning and environmental assessments are
necessary to minimize ecological disruption.
 Global Potential: Tidal and wave energy offer vast potential globally, particularly in
coastal regions with strong tidal currents and consistent wave patterns.

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Fundamental Characteristics of Tidal Power:

1. Gravitational Influence: Tidal power is derived from the gravitational forces exerted by
the moon and the sun on Earth's oceans. The moon's gravitational pull causes the rise and fall
of tides in a predictable manner.

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2. Predictability: Tides follow a regular and predictable pattern based on lunar and solar
cycles. This predictability distinguishes tidal power from some other renewable sources,
providing a reliable and consistent energy resource.
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3. Two High Tides and Low Tides: In a typical 24-hour period, there are two high tides and
two low tides. This cyclic nature allows for the systematic generation of tidal energy.

4. Tidal Stream and Range: Tidal energy can be harnessed through tidal stream generators
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that capture the kinetic energy of moving water or through tidal range technologies that
leverage the difference in height between high and low tides.

5. Environmental Considerations: Tidal power projects can have environmental impacts,

affecting marine ecosystems and local habitats. Careful site selection and environmental
assessments are essential to minimize negative effects.
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6. Limited Global Availability: Tidal power is most viable in regions with significant tidal
variations. Coastal areas with strong tidal currents and a substantial tidal range are optimal
for harnessing tidal energy.
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7. Energy Storage Challenges: Tidal power, like many renewable sources, faces challenges
related to intermittency. Efficient energy storage solutions are crucial to ensuring a stable and
continuous power supply.

8. Long Lifespan and Low Operating Costs: Tidal power facilities typically have a long
operational life and relatively low operating costs once constructed. This contributes to the
economic viability of tidal energy projects over the long term.

9. Global Potential: Although tidal power is currently underutilized on a global scale,

advancements in technology and increasing interest in renewable energy sources continue to
unlock its potential for wider adoption.

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Harnessing Tidal Energy

1. Tidal Stream Generators:

 These devices operate much like underwater wind turbines, capturing kinetic energy
from moving water.
 As tidal currents flow, they turn the blades of the turbine, converting mechanical
energy into electrical power.
 The efficiency of tidal stream generators depends on the velocity of the tidal currents.

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2. Tidal Range Technologies:
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 Tidal range technologies exploit the difference in height between high and low tides.
 Barrages, dams, or other structures are built across estuaries to trap and release tidal
water, driving turbines and generating electricity.
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3. Tidal Lagoons:

 Tidal lagoons involve constructing walls around a section of the coastline, creating a
lagoon that fills and empties with the tides.

Turbines are placed in the lagoon entrances to generate electricity as water flows in and out.

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Advantages of Tidal Energy:

1. Renewable and Predictable: Tidal energy is a renewable resource driven by the

gravitational forces of the moon and the sun. Tides follow predictable cycles, providing a

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consistent and reliable source of energy.

2. Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Tidal power generation produces minimal greenhouse
gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuel-based power plants, contributing to
efforts to mitigate climate change.
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3. High Energy Density: Tidal currents are dense and carry a substantial amount of energy.
This high energy density makes tidal power a potentially efficient source of electricity.
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4. Long Operational Life: Tidal power facilities can have a long operational lifespan, often
exceeding 50 years. This longevity contributes to the economic viability of tidal energy
projects.

5. Low Operating Costs Once Installed: Once the infrastructure is in place, tidal power
facilities generally have lower operating and maintenance costs compared to some other
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renewable energy sources.

6. Predictable Maintenance: Tidal power installations are relatively predictable in terms of

maintenance since tides follow established patterns. This allows for effective planning and
scheduled maintenance activities.
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7. Reduced Land Use: Tidal energy projects often require less land compared to some
terrestrial renewable energy sources, addressing concerns related to land use and ecosystem
disruption.

Limitations of Tidal Energy:

1. Site Dependency: Tidal energy is most viable in regions with significant tidal variations.
Not all coastal areas have the necessary conditions for efficient tidal power generation,
limiting the global availability of suitable sites.

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2. High Initial Costs: The construction of tidal power facilities can involve high initial
capital costs, including the development of specialized infrastructure to withstand the harsh
marine environment.

3. Environmental Impact: Tidal energy projects can impact local ecosystems, marine life,
and sediment transport. The construction of barrages or tidal stream generators may alter
habitats, and careful environmental assessments are required to minimize negative effects.

4. Intermittency and Energy Storage: Tidal power, like other renewable sources, is
intermittent. Energy storage solutions are necessary to manage the variability in tidal patterns

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and ensure a continuous power supply.

5. Limited Flexibility: Tidal power is inherently tied to the natural cycles of the tides,
providing limited flexibility in adjusting power output according to demand variations.

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6. Navigation and Shipping Interference: The installation of tidal energy devices in coastal
waters may interfere with navigation and shipping routes. Proper planning and coordination
with maritime activities are essential to mitigate these concerns.
e. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
Principle of working:

OTEC uses the ocean's warm surface water with a temperature of around 25°C to
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vaporize a working fluid, which has a low-boiling point, such as ammonia. The vapor
expands and spins a turbine coupled to a generator to produce electricity. The vapour is then
cooled by seawater that has been pumped from the deeper ocean layer, where the temperature
is about 5°C. That condenses the working fluid back into a liquid, so it can be reused. This is
a continuous electricity generating cycle.
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The efficiency of the cycle is strongly determined by the temperature differential. The
bigger the temperature difference, the higher will be the efficiency. The technology is
therefore viable primarily in equatorial areas where the year-round temperature differential is
at least 20°C.
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OTEC Power Stations in the World

1. March 2013: Saga University and Japanese industries complete the installation of a
100-kilowatt class OTEC plant at Kume Island, Okinawa Prefecture constructed by
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IHI Plant Construction Co. Ltd, Yokogawa Electric Corporation, and Xenesys Inc.
Plant consists of two 50 kW units in a double Rankine configuration.
2. Makai Ocean Engineering completes a heat exchanger test facility at NELHA in
2011, becoming the largest operational OTEC facility after installing a 105 kW
turbine.
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3. Makai Ocean Engineering's closed-cycle OTEC plant in Hawaii becomes operational

in August 2015, capable of generating 105 kilowatts, and is the first of its kind
connected to a U.S. electrical grid.
4. Currently, the Okinawa plant and Makai's Hawaii plant are among the two fully
operational OTEC plants in the world.
5. In July 2014, DCNS group partners with Akuo Energy for the NEMO project,
securing NER 300 funding for a 16 MW gross, 10 MW net offshore OTEC facility
with plans for operational status by 2020.

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Challenges and Problems Associated with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC):

1. High Initial Capital Costs:

The construction of OTEC plants involves significant upfront investment, mainly due
to the specialized infrastructure required to withstand marine conditions. High capital costs
can pose a barrier to the widespread adoption of OTEC technology.

2. Site Dependence:

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OTEC is most efficient in regions with a large temperature difference between surface
and deep ocean waters. This restricts its applicability to specific geographic locations,
limiting the global deployment of OTEC plants.

3. Environmental Impact:

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The installation and operation of OTEC facilities can impact marine ecosystems.
Changes in water temperature and the intake and discharge of seawater may affect local
marine life, requiring careful environmental assessments and mitigation strategies.
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4. Corrosion and Biofouling:

OTEC systems are exposed to harsh marine environments, leading to challenges such
as corrosion and biofouling. The constant exposure to seawater can degrade equipment over
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time, increasing maintenance requirements and costs.

5. Technological Maturity:

OTEC technology is still in the early stages of development, and not all components
have reached a level of maturity comparable to other renewable energy technologies.
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Continued research and development are needed to improve efficiency and reliability.

6. Limited Power Output:

The current operational OTEC plants have relatively low power output compared to
other renewable energy sources. Scaling up OTEC facilities to produce larger amounts of
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electricity may require overcoming engineering and logistical challenges.

7. Intermittency and Variability:

OTEC power generation can be affected by changes in sea conditions, weather

patterns, and seasonal variations. This intermittency and variability in energy production can
pose challenges for maintaining a stable power supply

8. Deep Seawater Infrastructure:

Access to deep seawater is crucial for OTEC operations. Developing and maintaining
the infrastructure for deep seawater intake and discharge can be complex and expensive,
particularly in remote or offshore locations.

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