TIDAL POWER

Definition

Tidal energy is one of the oldest forms of energy generation. It is a renewable form of energy that converts the natural rise and fall of the tides into electricity. Tides are caused by the combined effects of gravitational forces exerted by the Moon, the Sun, and the rotation of the Earth.

Tidal energy presents an evolving technology with tremendous potential. However, it can only be installed along coastlines. Coastlines often experience two high tides and two low tides on a daily basis. The difference in water levels must be at least 5 meters high to produce electricity.

Tidal electricity can be created from several technologies, the main ones being tidal barrages, tidal fences and tidal turbines.

Tidal barrages are the most efficient tidal energy sources. A tidal barrage is a dam that utilizes the potential energy generated by the change in height between high and low tides. This energy turns a turbine or compresses air, which generates electricity.

Tidal fences are turbines that operate like giant turnstiles, while tidal turbines are similar to wind turbines only under water. In both cases, electricity is generated when the mechanical energy of tidal currents turns turbines connected to a generator. Ocean currents generate relatively more energy than air currents because ocean water is 832 times more dense than air and therefore applies greater force on the turbines.