We frequently think of wind and solar energy when discussing renewable energy sources. What about tidal energy, though? A type of hydro power that depends on the ebbs and flows of the sea is known as tidal energy.
When considering the different types of renewable energy sources, tidal energy is not frequently considered. Due to the constant change in tidal movements, tide energy is the most dependable source of renewable energy.
What Is Tidal Power
Tidal power, also known as tidal energy, is a byproduct of gravity. In particular, it originates from the gravitational pull of the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun, on the earth’s oceans.
All areas of the earth are subject to the gravity of the moon. The areas that are closest to the moon experience the strongest pull, though. The sides of the earth that face the moon and those that face away from it bulge outward slightly as a result of this slight deformation.
In these locations, the ocean water rises, resulting in a high tide. Low tide results from this removal of water from other ocean regions. This animation from SciJinks shows how it works.
Since ancient times, people have launched boats by harnessing the power of the tides. We first used it to power water wheels for grain mills more than a thousand years ago. But it took us 60 years to figure out how to turn it into electricity.
How Does Tidal Energy Work
For over 140 years, we’ve been using hydro power, or the flow of water in rivers, to power electric generators. The same thing is done by tidal energy systems, which use the tide’s incoming and outgoing water currents.
Tidal turbines work like wind turbines, but they’re turned by the flow of water rather than air. These generators are powered by turbines, and the electricity is then sent into the grid via underwater cables. Tidal energy can be used to power ocean-related industries like aquaculture and ocean research.
Types Of Tidal Systems
Wherever there is a sufficient tidal current, whether it be natural or created, tide-powered turbines can operate. They can move independently or in groups (arrays), and they can float or rest on the ocean floor. Currently, there are only a few main categories of tidal energy storage systems.
- Tidal Stream Arrays
A tidal stream contains one or more turbines, which is the most basic and typical tidal system. Tidal streams, like straits or ocean inlets, are swiftly moving bodies of water produced by tidal flow. Unfortunately, there aren’t very many of these locations left.
- Tidal Barrages
The most efficient way to capture tidal energy is with a tidal barrage, a common type of hydro power energy system. An artificial tidal basin is produced by a dam-like structure that spans a tidal river or an ocean inlet. Sluice gates regulate the water flow through the barrage’s turbines.
- Tidal Fences
Like most wind turbines, the majority of tidal turbines have horizontal blades. However, blades can also be mounted vertically, much like a turnstile. A tidal fence is an arrangement of these vertical turbines on the ocean floor.
- Tidal Lagoons
The term “tidal lagoon” refers to a sizable oceanic area that is surrounded by a retaining wall. Water flowing into and out of the lagoon generates energy that is captured by turbines. Although some are being built, there are no tidal lagoons yet.
- Dynamic Tidal Power
Dynamic tidal power (DTP) is a novel approach to harnessing tidal energy. It would call for extremely long dams jutting out into the ocean from the shore. Since the tide would be constantly moving from one side of the dam to the other, these could capture power continuously. The concept hasn’t, however, been tested in the real world yet.
Is Tidal Power Renewable Or Nonrenewable
An eco-friendly form of energy is tidal power. This is so that humans’ use of tide energy does not deplete the tides themselves.
Tidal energy is only accessible to those who live in or close to tidal zones, but it is a source of energy that will continue to be available for the foreseeable future.
Hydroelectric energy is a category that includes tidal energy. The kinetic energy of the tide can be converted into electric energy with tidal energy and used in homes. Kinetic energy, in this case, the motion of the waves, is energy that is produced by the movement. The movement of waves can also be used directly to power mills and water wheels, as is the case with water-powered flour mills.
Benefits Of Tidal Power
As a sustainable energy source, tidal energy has a lot of potentials. Tidal power systems are:
- Efficient
Compared to air, water is more than 800 times denser. Accordingly, a stream of water has a much higher energy content than an equally rapid stream of air. For a given size and speed, a water turbine can generate significantly more power than a wind turbine.
- Emissions-Free
A tidal turbine produces no pollution once it is operational. In particular, it doesn’t release greenhouse gases that fuel climate change.
- Sustainable
The energy source of tidal power is renewable. With the exception of producing, installing, and maintaining the turbines, it doesn’t require any natural resources.
- Durable
Tidal turbines have a lengthy lifespan. According to the British power company SIMEC Atlantis Energy, a turbine can run for 25 years and only needs maintenance every 5 years. This helps to keep operating costs low.
- Reliable
Tidal energy is predictable and stable, unlike wind energy. It can deliver a steady stream of electricity, which is necessary to maintain the grid’s efficiency.
- Hidden
People who believe offshore wind farms degrade the environment frequently complain about them. Tidal turbines, which are typically underwater and hidden from view from the shore, don’t contribute to this issue.
Uses Of Tidal Energy
The following are some of the applications for tidal energy.
- Tidal Electricity
Tidal energy is primarily used to produce electricity, much like other forms of energy. Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station in South Korea uses tidal energy to produce 254 MW of tidal electricity at very low costs. Other facilities are running in Scotland, the United Kingdom, and France as well.
- Grain Mills
Tidal energy has been utilized for hundreds of years. Tidal energy was used in grain mills to crush grains mechanically, much as windmills do. Crushing the grains involved the use of turbine motion brought on by tidal energy.
However, since the discovery of fossil fuels, tidal energy use has decreased significantly.
- Energy Storage
Additionally, tidal energy can be used as a source of energy. Tidal barrages can be modified to store energy thanks to their reservoirs, much like many hydroelectric dams that can be used as large energy storage facilities.
Tidal energy can also be stored with the right modifications, though this hasn’t been tried yet and the costs might be high.
- Provide Protection To Coast In High Storms
Tidal barrages are an effective way to move water easily between two arms of a bay or estuary while also protecting the coast from damage during strong storms.