Tidal energy, also known as tidal energy, is a form of energy obtained by harnessing the movement of the tides. This natural phenomenon originates thanks to the gravitational attraction between the Earth, the Moon and the Sun. The tide results in a rise and fall in sea level twice a day, which can be used to produce electricity through the use of hydraulic turbines. The differences in water level, which in some areas can be considerable, become a predictable and sustainable source of renewable energy.
How does tidal energy work?
The operation of tidal energy is relatively simple, and has many similarities with hydroelectric power. The process begins with the construction of dams or dikes in areas where the tides have a marked difference in height between high tide (maximum height) and low tide (minimum height).
- When the tide rises, water flows into the estuary through open gates that allow it to enter.
- Once high tide is reached and a load of water has accumulated, the floodgates are closed to prevent the water from receding.
- When the tide goes out, the stored water is released into the sea through turbines, generating electricity.
The turbines used are reversible, which means they allow for the generation of energy both when the tide rises and falls. This simple, modular system of gates and turbines is an efficient way of harnessing tidal energy.
The use of these dams is not the only technology available. There are also Tidal current generators, which are based on harnessing the kinetic energy of water flow, similar to underwater wind turbines. This system, known as Tidal Stream Generators (TSG), has a lower environmental impact and reduced costs compared to traditional dams.
Use of tidal energy
Mankind has been using tidal energy since ancient times. In ancient Egypt, rudimentary mechanisms were used to harness the movement of water. In Europe, tidal mills were already in use in the 1956th century. One of the last mills in operation was closed in XNUMX in Devon, UK.
However, the real industrial development of this energy took place in the 1966th century, with the creation of tidal power plants. In XNUMX, for example, the tidal power plant of La Rance, in France, which remains one of the largest in the world.
Tidal power parks in the world
There are specific locations around the world where tidal energy can be best harnessed. Seabed topography and tidal variation are two determining factors. Here are some of the most important locations:
- Bay of Fundy, Canada: Some of the highest tides in the world are recorded here, with differences of up to 16 metres between high and low tide.
- La Rance Bay, France: Home of one of the first large tidal power stations.
- Severn Estuary, United Kingdom: Where there are also advanced projects to take advantage of the tides.
In regions such as Asia, South America and the Caribbean, there are also development opportunities for installing tidal power plants.
Tidal energy in Spain
Spain has some outstanding projects in the study and development of tidal technologies. Cantabria Hydraulics Institute is one of the most important research centres in this field. Here, they have test tanks where they simulate real wave and tidal conditions to advance research.
In 2011, the first tidal power plant in Spain was opened, located in Motrico, Guipúzcoa. This plant can generate 600.000 KWh of energy annually, equivalent to the consumption of 600 homes. With this plant, hundreds of tons of CO2 emissions are avoided each year, which is equivalent to the purification effect of an 80-hectare forest.
Advantages and disadvantages of tidal energy
Tidal energy has a number of and advantages which make it an attractive option for the future:
- It is a renewable and inexhaustible source of energy, which depends solely on the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun.
- The tides are predictable and stable compared to other renewable energy sources such as solar or wind.
- The facilities are silent and have a low maintenance cost.
However, it also presents some drawbacks, As:
- High infrastructure costs, derived from the construction of dams or generators.
- Environmental impact, as it can affect aquatic ecosystems.
- La production is intermittent, since it depends on the tides, even though these are predictable.
Tidal energy has enormous potential to become a major source of renewable energy in the future. As more efficient technologies such as tidal current generators and floating turbines are developed, lower costs and reduced environmental impact will make this type of energy even more viable.
Many years ago I managed to yell "Eureka!" (Archimedes) when with my home experiments I achieve the very simple EOTRAC mechanism, which only takes advantage of the superior force of the wind, the great volume of this infinite force, which is limited only to the resistance of the materials. Then I achieved the very simple mechanism of the GEM that allows to use separately the infinite force of the flow that operates upper blades (blades) of hundreds or thousands of square meters and a similar function fulfills the ebb tide, and so on again - and more loud - I shouted "Eureka !, Eureka!", for this small grain of sand to produce clean energy, unfortunately the powerful of Global warming are silent or consider me a "nut". SEE rebich-inventions on cell phone
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