Tidal Power

By: Katie Thomas (The Scientist)

Tidal Barrage Power

• A huge barrage is built (much bigger than a hydro-electric dam)

• As the tide goes in and out, water moves through barrage which turns turbines

• At low tide (when there aren’t many waves) the water behind the dam gets released and turns a turbine = electricity!

• Basically, the barrage uses the tidal waves to generate power and stores the rest of the water until it’s needed

Diagram of Barrage

1. Water comes in here 2. Water gets

held for later use

3. When the tide gets low, the stored water is let out to turn the turbines

Real Tidal Barrage in France

Tidal Stream Power

• This type is like Tidal Barrage Power• It uses ocean currents to generate electricity

(great for islands or coasts with fast currents)• It can use tidal fences (stretch across) or tidal

turbines (like underwater wind turbines) to generate

• The up and down movement of water = electricity from the movement of the turbines

Diagram of Tidal Stream

Turbine

These turbines are a lot like wind turbines but they are much more durable because of the high pressured water.

As the current moves toward the turbine it turns and generates electricity

Real Tidal Stream Generator

Mechanical Energy>Electrical

• These types of tidal power are generated by the mechanical movement of the waves converting into electricity

• This occurs when the waves move past the turbines and turn them to create electrical energy

• Therefore, the electricity is generated by turning mechanical energy (turbines) into electrical energy (the electricity generated)

THE END