Tides/Wave Power

By: Matt Franzen

Taylor Gutwald

Function of Tidal Power

• To provide electricity to small coastal areas.

• When efficiency increases, energy can be supplied to large cities.

Production of Tidal Energy

• Derives its energy from the tidal forces of the moon and the earth’s rotation

• Tides formed by the moon’s gravitational forces on the earth’s water

• Underwater turbines are placed in areas with high tidal powers, which spin the turbines to produce electricity

Advantages

• Could produce energy for as cheaply as two cents per kilowatt hour

• Produces no greenhouse gases

• Tides are reliable• Waves are constant• Requires no fuel

Replacing Nonrenewable Recourses

• Tidal power will be mainly replacing nonrenewable resources such as oil and coal for the production of electric energy.

Tidal/Wave Power in the U.S.

• New York has tidal turbines in the East River.

• The Verdant Power Company sank six turbines in 2006

• Provided enough electricity to power the lights at nearby stores

Pros and Cons

• Blades made of aluminum alloy help so they won’t break.

• Carbon-free energy.• Provides energy to

coastal areas

• Cost 1 million dollars• Is not competitive

with fossil fuel power.• May disturb sea life

migration. • Can provide only 10

hours of energy each day

Future Mainstream Source?

• Pro: Very clean, renewable

• Con: Expensive, possible environmental damage, limited accessibility

• Lack of accessibility and environmental impacts limit it from becoming mainstream as of now

• May become much more practical as technology improves.

Obstacles To Overcome

• Cost and accessibility is high

• Can have negative effects on environment by blocking fish migration.

• If technology improves efficiency, it may prove to be economical in the long run.

Tidal Power in Michigan?

• If Michigan had strong tidal currents, then it is possible for it to exist here.

• As for now, it is highly unlikely in Michigan.

• Tidal power is usually located near the ocean, not in lakes.

References• Aviation Enterprises. 05 Feb. 2009

<http://www.aviationenterprises.co.uk/seagen.htm>.

Clark, Peter, Rebecca Klossner, and Lauren Kologe. College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. 2003. 04 Feb. 2009 <http://www.ems.psu.edu/~elsworth/courses/cause2003/finalprojects/canutepresentation.pdf>.

"Tidal Energy." Virtual Science Fair Project Server Home. 04 Feb. 2009 <http://www.virtualsciencefair.org/2006/wong6j2/tidal.html>.

"Tidal Power & Tidal Energy." Recycling | Renewable Energy | Alternative Energy Sources. 04 Feb. 2009 <http://www.nexplanrecycling.com/tidalpower.html>.

Walsh, Bryan. "Catching the Currents - Renewable Energy - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. 15 Jan. 2009. Time Magazine. 04 Feb. 2009 <http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1872110_1872133_1872147,00.html>.