Tidal Wave Energy Generators

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Tidal Wave Energy Generators

13
Feb

Tidal wave energy is an alternative energy source that has been in use for centuries. Since before 800 A.D. tidal mills were used by people to grind grain, and this was the first use of tidal energy for power. Tidal power generation is a clean process. There is no pollution or greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Some tidal wave energy generators, also called tidal turbines, work on a similar concept to wind energy. Underwater tidal wave energy generators off shore are placed in a tidal stream, and use a tidal turbine to generate energy. The flow of the water moves the turbine, and energy is created by the generator. Tidal power holds an enormous energy potential just waiting to be tapped. There are other ways to create tidal power energy as well. When the tides reach the shore, they are trapped behind man made dams in reservoirs, similar to tidal pools on the beach. Once the level of the water has gone down, the tides which are trapped are released and let out. This creates energy with the same method used at hydroelectric power plants.

This does not mean that ocean tidal energy does not have any negatives. Because the tides in the ocean flow according to the moon and earth's gravitational pull, this does not allow for continuous power. The tides flow in every twelve hours, and then after six hours the tides flow back out to sea. Ocean tidal energy can be very effective, as long as there are large tidal increases, such as a sixteen feet or more difference minimum between the low tide level and the high tide level. This limits the locations that tidal power generation plants can be placed around the globe. France has a tidal energy generation plant which has been operating for more than forty years, and generates enough tidal power energy to power almost a quarter of a million homes each year. One of the biggest drawbacks of tidal power generation is the cost to plan and build a new tidal power generation plant. This is a very expensive project, one that may take a decade or more to complete. This means an enormous investment when there will be no returns for at least ten years, usually longer. The high expense is the biggest obstacle to building more tidal power generation plants.

Tidal wave energy has both advantages and disadvantages. Tidal power generation plants have been used for more than forty years in some places, and can be quite effective. But due to high project costs and limited locations which are suitable, it is doubtful that this alternative energy source would supply energy for the entire world in the future. This does not mean that ocean tidal energy has no part in the future of energy though. As we move away from fossil fuel and oil dependence, there will be a matrix of alternative energy sources that are used to supply the energy needed by America, and the world. This matrix will contain a number of different green alternative energy sources, including tidal power, solar power, wind power, OTEC power, and others.

Investing in alternative energy sources like tidal power generation can help you make a profit off of helping prevent pollution and preserve the earth for future generations. Make sure before you invest in anything though that you understand the technology used and do all the research possible. This will help you find solid investments that are high quality. This does not mean these investments in tidal power energy are guaranteed, but all alternative energy sources will become more commonly used. With investments in the right tidal energy companies, you could get really good returns.

Posted in Hydro Energy | Comments (3)

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3 Responses to “Tidal Wave Energy Generators”

1
watersportslover Says:

What do these tidal generators do for the ecology of the area? Are they harmful to the ocean life and the environment? That is the one thing you do not cover in this interesting article and it should be mentioned when people are considering investing in this alternative energy source.
February 15, 2009 at 17:11 pm
2
Jalyssaa Hearn Says:

Hey I was wondering how do you build a generator for tidal power
April 29, 2009 at 09:11 pm
3
Arleigh Crisman Says:

I appreciate the article.I had never heard of tidal energy being used, and had actually come up my own idea thing it was a frst. Thanks, As a comment to the environmentalist. animals are prone to be suicidal from time to time . Having spent much of my life among them . It is no secrit that whales beach them selves,birds fly deliberately between moving cars,squrils run in front of cars,and in front of cats and dogs and owls and any potential danger. monkies taunt the loins,just the same as people test their mortality,driving, drugs, bungee jumping,the list is endless. Animals know their environment. just because you might visit that invironment and be disorented, doesn't mean the animals that live there are like you. Noises in the water cary for a long way and as with birds and all other creatures they test their skill against every thing . Animals are acustomed to things that have no predictable pattern,other animals they test against. wind mills and water mills have a very predictable pattern, and to a creature in that invironment it is child play.I had spent considerable time in a marina under water,doing repairs and finding and recovering lost equipment.Let me shair this last tidbit . Long ago people were trying ti truck fish across country live,but the problem was they would die in transit. Then finally one laod had a baracuda in with the rest of the load and guess what, yes they almost all servived. the threat of death gave them a reason to live,it kept their mind occupied with servival.Every living thing can get board,and even give up. don't blame man's machinery. ever exceed the speed limit ?
August 5, 2009 at 13:17 pm