Having different types of energy resources out there has given us so much to look into. Tidal energy is a form of renewable source created using tides’ movement. This energy is replenished because it is obtained from nature before it’s converted into a usable form.
Tidal energy can be obtained in oceans, where the intensity of the water from the rise and fall of tides is a form of kinetic energy. its power surrounds gravitational hydropower, whose movement of water is used to rotate a turbine.
In this reading, we’ll explore what tidal energy is, its applications, the diagram, and how it works. We’ll also explore its advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s get started!
What is Tidal Energy?
Tidal energy, or tidal power, is a form of hydropower that is harnessed by converting tide energy into useful forms of power. It relies on the rising and falling of sea levels, and tidal energy devices convert the energy gained from tides into electricity.
It can also be said to be renewable energy in which tidal action in an ocean is converted to electric power. For clarification, you should understand the term ‘tides.’
The alternate rise and fall of the sea levels are caused by the gravitational forces of the sun and moon and the evolution of the earth. At a particular place, tides usually occur twice on a lunar day. It is known as high tide when the sea level rises, and it’s called low tide when the sea level falls.
When the earth and moon’s gravitational fields are in a straight line, the influences of these two fields become stronger, causing millions of gallons of water to flow towards the shore, resulting in high tide conditions.
Likewise, when the moon and earth’s gravitational fields are perpendicular to each other, their influence becomes weak, causing the water to flow away from the shore, resulting in a low tide condition. So,
Tides are long-period waves that occur in an ocean, which are caused by the combined gravitational effects of the sun, the moon, and the rotation of the earth. Gravitational and centrifugal forces are the two forces that rise the tides.
Finally, according to the definition of tidal energy, it is a form of hydropower that converts the energy obtained from tides into other useful energy (electricity). Tidal energy is the sun and moon’s influence over the ocean.
Related: What Is Non-Renewable Energy? Its Uses, Types And Benefits
Applications of Tidal Energy
Even though tidal energy is not widely used, some specific regions still use the system despite its cost. Below are some applications of tidal energy.
Tidal Electricity
This is one of the most common uses of tidal power or energy. Technology advancement even focuses more on this usage of tidal energy.
The electric power generated from the tides is reliable, as the tides are predictable compared to other renewable energies like wind and the sun. Tidal energy is also uniform in nature.
Grain Mills
A hundred years ago, tidal energy was used in grain mills for the mechanical crushing of grains. In this situation, tidal energy is used to rotate a turbine.
Energy Storage
It is used to store energy in a hydroelectric dam, acting as large energy storage. Tidal barrages and reservoirs can be modified to store energy.
Protection of the Coast During High Storms
Tidal barrages are capable of preventing damages to the coast during high storms. They also help to create easy transport between the two arms of an estuary or a bay.
Diagram
How is Tidal Energy Produced?
Tidal energy is renewable energy that converts the energy of tides into electricity. It uses barriers or walls to create differences in water levels between the bodies of water. The water flows through turbines, rotates it, and generates electricity.
Just as earlier mentioned, tidal energy is gotten from the rise and fall of tides. Tidal barrages and dams are constructed across a narrow opening to the sea.
Water rushes into the dam when sea level rises, which moves the blades of the turbines. These turbines are attached at the opening of the dam, which helps in the generation of electricity.
Tidal energy is produced when tides rise and fall naturally, which is caused by the gravitational interaction between the earth, sun, and moon. This energy is engineered to rotate the generator in suitable locations and convert it into useful forms of power like electricity.
Other forms of energy, like waves, persistent ocean currents, and differences in temperature and salinity in seawater, can be generated.
Areas where tidal energy can be captured are locations with large differences in tidal range. They occur between high tides and low tides and where tidal channels and waterways are smaller so that tidal currents become stronger.
Related: What is Wind Turbine? its Diagram and How it Works
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tidal Energy
Advantages:
Below are the benefits of tidal energy in its various applications.
- Power output is highly predictable.
- It gets cheaper and more efficient as technology advances.
- It is environment-friendly.
- Low operational and maintenance costs.
- The source of energy is inexhaustable.
- Protect coastal flooding due to the stability of rock armor.
- Tidal energy sources can last for decades.
Disadvantages:
- The construction of tidal power plants is currently expensive and requires high capital investment.
- Maintenance and equipment repair can be a challenge.
- Environmental problems like habitat change, particularly with tidal barrages.
- Limited energy demand as powerful tides can occur 10 hours out of each day.
- Storage capacity is required.
- Negative influence on marine life forms.
- Location limits
Conclusion
Tidal energy, or tidal power, is a form of hydropower that converts the energy obtained from tides into other useful energy (electricity). Tidal energy is the sun and moon’s influence over the ocean.
That is all for this article, where the definition, applications, diagram, working, advantages, and disadvantages of tidal energy are discussed. you’ve also learned how tidal energy is produced.