Definition of Tidal Energy

Water is an essential resource for life and, at the same time, it has unquestionable energy potential. On the one hand, there are traditional hydraulic systems and, on the other, the force of waves and tides can be transformed into Energy, specifically in tidal energy.

The force of the tides and waves

For centuries the water in the seas and oceans has been wasted, but in recent decades scientists have detected the potential of the rise and fall of the tides and the ability of the waves to become Energy. In this way, two energy modalities arise: tidal and wave energy.

As its name suggests, tidal energy is based on the exploitation of the tides, which are produced from the position of the Earth with respect to the Moon. In this modality, the masses of water and currents produced between high and low tide are used. From a technical point of view, large tidal drops or strong currents are needed for these techniques to be applied.

Today, the world's largest tidal power plant is located in South Korea and has a boardwalk that is more than 12 km long.

Wave or wave energy is produced by the effect of the wind on the sea surface. For example, in the Cantabrian Sea the winds generate waves exceeding three meters and this phenomenon has great energy potential. In this sense, this energy can be an interesting alternative.

Energy transformation systems

Currently there are several ways to get energy from tides and waves. There is an attenuating pickup system that uses a floating device that moves between the waves and the movement undulating that the device experiences becomes electric power. The wave overrun system allows the water of waves that exceed a certain level to be captured in a pond and later electrical energy can be obtained through a device. The point collector system is based on a floating structure that absorbs the energy that comes from all directions. In the oscillating water column system, a wall is built on the coastal edge and inside there are several turbines that take advantage of the impact waves to generate electrical energy.

Advantages and disadvantages of tidal and wave energy

Like all Energy sources, the one that comes from the tides and the waves has its advantages and disadvantages. It is positive because the water in the oceans is an inexhaustible, renewable and clean source of energy and, in addition, the tides are a totally predictable phenomenon.

Some of the important negative aspects to mention are the following: there are some doubts about the possible impact on the environment, the building of the plants must be done near coastal areas and it is a technology with a high economic cost.

Photos: Fotolia - alejomiranda / koya979