Tidal energy is a renewable source of energy. During the 20th century, engineer s developed ways to use tidal movement to generate electricity in areas where there is a significant tidal range —the difference in area between high tide and low tide. All methods use special generator s to convert tidal energy into electricity.
While I was writing we ran into the question “Can ocean tides be used to generate green energy?”.
One of the latest revolutions is the capture of green energy from the oceanic tides and waves. Throughout the world, there is a growing drive to create green energy from renewable sources to replace the non-renewable energy sources that are not only depleting but pose a threat to the environment.
How are tides used as a source of energy?
The rise and fall of tides produces a renewable energy source called Tidal energy. Originally, at the beginning of the 20th century engineers began to use spring tides to generate electricity because of the dramatic change in water levels.
You might be thinking “Why is tidal wave energy a more reliable source of energy?”
So, tidal wave energy is a more reliable source of energy since it is certain the tides and waves will be there for almost the entire year. Thus, this usually results in a higher capacity factor relative to other renewables.
Is there a bright future for tidal energy?
However, due to the recent technological developments indicating that the economic and environmental costs can be brought down to competitive levels, there seems to be a bright future for tidal energy generation. To learn more about tidal energy, download BYJU’S – The Learning App.
There are currently three different ways to get tidal energy: tidal stream s, barrage s, and tidal lagoon s. For most tidal energy generator s, turbine s are placed in tidal streams. A tidal stream is a fast-flowing body of water created by tides.
What’s new in tidal energy design?
A new tidal energy design option is to construct circular retaining walls embedded with turbines that can capture the potential energy of tides. The created reservoirs are similar to those of tidal barrages, except that the location is artificial and does not contain a pre-existing ecosystem.