Tidal Energy

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How Tidal Energy Works 

Tidal energy is energy obtained from changing sea levels. This renewable energy source has great potential as tides are a lot more predictable than wind power and solar energy which are not at all consistent. There are three ways to harness tidal power which are..

 Tidal Turbines-Which are used in similar technology to wind

turbines, although their blades are shorter and stronger. A way to think of them is as underwater windmills. Basically the water currents turn the turbines, which in turn activate a generator that produces electricity.

 Tidal Lagoons-Tidal Lagoons are similar to barrages but have a

much lower cost and impact on the environment. They are self-contained structures cut off from the rest of the sea.

Is Tidal Power Renewable?

 Yes, tidal power is renewable. The tides will

continue to flow, driven by gravitational forces. The energy of the tides will not go away if we use their power to generate electricity. It is renewable in the sense that we cannot take away the source of the energy by using them (unlike fossil fuels, of which there is a limited supply) http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_tidal_energy_a_renewable_resource

Cost to Build

The cost of setting up a tidal power station can be very high, although once in place the operating costs are low. As an example of the cost of setting up, a proposed 8000 MW tidal power plant and barrage system on the Severn Estuary in the UK has been estimated to cost US$15 billion, while another in the San Bernadino strait which would produce 2,200 MW as a tidal fence in the Philippines will cost an estimated US$3 billion. (Source:Australian Institute of Energy)

Positive Aspects

Tidal energy is renewable.The energy produced is clean and non-polluting.There is no carbon dioxide or any other by-products

released. It produces no greenhouse gases or other waste.It is a renewable energy that will help reduce our reliance

on the burning of fossil fuels.There are two tides every day and they can be relied on.

The energy is there for the taking.So the electricity supply is constant and efficient.Once you've built it, the energy is free because it comes

from the ocean's powerIt needs no fuel.http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_advantages_and_d

isadvantages_of_renewable_tidal_power_as_an_energy_source

Negative Aspects

Holding back the tide allows silt to build up on the river bed. The dams and barrages sometimes interfere with shipping. You will need to find a way to connect the electricity to the grid. Pose same threats as large dams, altering the flow of saltwater in and out of

estuaries, which changes the hydrology and salinity and possibly negatively affects the marine mammals that use the estuaries as their habitat

Turbidity decreases as a result of smaller volume of water being exchanged between the basin and the sea.

The average salinity inside the basin decreases, also affecting the ecosystem A barrage across an estuary is very expensive to build, and affects a very wide

area - the environment is changed for many miles upstream and downstream. Many birds rely on the tide uncovering the mud flats so that they can feed.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_renewable_tidal_power_as_an_energy_source

Tidal Energy’s Impact on the Environment

Some of the non-monetary costs associated with barrage systems include destruction of habitat, interruption of organisms’ travel routes, potential electromagnetic, and potential acoustic pollution. In addition, hydroelectric systems are well-known for killing fish, and the waste heat that ends up in the water reduces its capacity to store dissolved oxygen, harming not only fish, but all organisms in the affected area. Despite all this, such systems are attractive to many because of their reliance on existing technology and knowledge.

Countries using the most Tidal Energy

America Canada Brazil & Russia are big countries uses more energy.

Tidal Energy Facts!!!!Tidal energy is the utilization of the sun and moon's

gravitational forces - as the tide is the result of their influences. 

Tidal energy is a type of energy that produces electricity and other forms of power through the use of water.

Tidal energy is energy that could be obtained from the changing sea levels. In other words, tidal energy is a direct result of tide shifting from low to high.

The altering of the ecosystem at the bay is the biggest drawback of tidal power. Damages like reduced flushing, winter icing and erosion can change the vegetation of the area and disrupt the balance.

Stream tidal energy is harnessed from currents – horizontal water movement which is created by the rise and fall of tides. 

Turbines, similar to wind turbines, can be anchored to the sea bed to generate electricity from tidal currents.

Works Cited  http://interestingenergyfacts.blogspot.com/2008/04/tidal-po

wer-tidal-energy-facts.html

http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Tidal-Energy/How-Does-Tidal-Energy-Work.html

http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/tidal.htm

http://renewableenergydev.com/tidal-energy/  http

://www.oceanenergycouncil.com/index.php/Tidal-Energy/Tidal-Energy.html

  http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_advantages_and_di

sadvantages_of_renewable_tidal_power_as_an_energy_source