Like with tidal barrages, the force of the tidal currents moving through the turbine blades generates electricity. While tidal turbines are installed individually on the sea bed, tidal fences are a string of linked vertical axis turbines set up on the ocean floor.īecause of the moon’s gravitational pull, the tides ebb and flow, and the movement of the water produces a significant amount of energy. Tidal fencesĪ tidal fence combines the features of a tidal barrage and a tidal turbine. They allow the water to come in during high tides and flow out during low tides through tidal turbines positioned at the bottom of the structure.Ī tidal power system using barrages generates electricity using the same principles employed in hydroelectric plants, except that the tidal currents flow in both directions instead of moving from an area of high elevation. Sluice gates in a tidal barrage control water level and rate flow. It usually consists of sluice gates, turbines, dams, and ship locks. It’s typically installed at tidal inlets or lagoons that experience a tidal range of over 5 meters. Tidal barragesĪ tidal barrage is a structure that’s similar to a dam. As such, they can be positioned much closer together, which means they occupy less space. The power coming from the tidal generators is then used for electricity generation.īecause water is 800 times denser than air, tidal turbine rotors are smaller than those for wind turbines. The force of the current pushes the turbine’s blades, which then spin a rotor connected to a tidal generator. Fixed to the sea bed, the turbines take advantage of the strong tidal flow in the area. The moving air spins wind turbines while ocean currents turn the blades of tidal turbines. Tidal turbines operate like wind turbines, except they work under the water’s surface while their wind counterparts work above it. Harnessing the power of the tides involves several methods. But first, that energy must be captured. While wind turbines harness wind power and solar panels absorb the sun’s energy, tidal turbines are instrumental in harvesting the energy contained in the tides and currents. The rise and fall of the water also called tidal flow, is a form of kinetic energy that can be used to generate electricity. Tidal energy is created by the movement of ocean tides and currents. Still, the investment will surely pay off in the long run, especially since the world needs as many alternative power sources as possible. Subsea equipment and building expenses for a tidal project require substantial capital, making the technology a costly proposition. One of the reasons for the delayed adoption of technology is the cost involved in capturing tidal power.

However, the construction of infrastructure associated with tidal energy isn’t moving as fast as those connected with other renewable sources like wind farms and hydroelectric plants. Harnessing the kinetic energy from wave motion and tidal flows and using it for electricity generation will help augment the supply of fossil fuels and other renewables. The world’s oceans and seas are excellent sources of renewable energy owing to the power contained in the wave and tidal movements.

Pros of tidal energy