Tidal & Wave PowerAndrew 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 EnergyTidal 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 StreamsMake 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

Consistent Power

Pollution-Free

Low Operating Costs

Renewable

Efficient

Tides are predictable

Impacts are local not global

Provide a storm surge barrier

Marine Life Affected

High Initial Cost

Device Breakdown

Only provides power for around 10 hrs

Few suitable sites for tidal barrages

Locations are often remote

May restrict access to open water

Can change tidal levels

Decreases salinity in tidal basins

Captures waste near the coast

Reduces kinetic energy of the ocean

PROS CONS

Future of Tidal EnergyPotential 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 EnergyFirst 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

Consistent Power

Pollution Free

Low Operating Cost

Renewable

Minimal Visual Impact

Efficient

Shoreline Protection

Enormous Energy Potential

Offshore Wave Power

Marine Life Effected (not sure)

Device Breakdown

High Initial Cost

Few Implemented

Early Stages of Development

PROS CONS

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.