Oceanic Energy

Tidal Power
Lesson Plan for

EXPLORING THE EARTH, SUN and STARS

What Are TIDES?

Tides are generally known as the
rise and fall of water levels.

Where TIDES
Occur?
Tides can occur anywhere,

from inside Earths crust to

large lakes to the atmosphere.
However, we notice tides the
most at the seashore.

What Causes
Tides?
Tides are created by the

gravitational pull of the sun

and the moon.
The more important force
behind tides is the pull from
the moon.

What Happens is...

The water on the side of the
Earth closest to the moon is
pulled by the moons gravitational
force, more strongly than the bulk
of the Earth
the water on the side furthest
from the Moon is pulled less
strongly than the Earth.

The Effect is...

Bulges in the water on opposite sides of the Earth, which we can now call...

TIDES

How Often?

Since two bulges exist (one closer to

the Moon-the stronger one, and one
further away from the Moon-the weaker
one) the rise and fall of the oceans
occurs approximately twice daily.
This occurs because of the rotation of
the Earth.

Different Types of
TIDES
Semi-diurnal/
Diurnal/

Tides
that occur twice a day
a body of water with
semi-diurnal tides
will have two high
tides and two low
tides in one day.

Tides that
occur once a day
a body of water with
diurnal tides will
have one high tide
and one low tide in
a 24-hour period.

Difference between
High
and
Low
Tides
Spring Tides
Neap Tides

large difference
between high
and low tides.

very little
difference
between high
and low tides.

SPRING TIDES

For a Spring Tide

to occur, Earth,
the moon and the
sun must be in a
straight line.

NEAP TIDES

For Neap Tides to

occur, the Earth,
the moon and the
Sun form a right
angle.

By measuring the difference between

the high and low tides, we can find the

Tidal Range

Tidal ranges can be measured in

inches or feet.
The greatest tidal range known has
reached 50 feet (THE BAY OF FUNDY)

Ocean at low Tide

Ocean at High Tide

Hope you enjoyed our general

overview of Tides!

Course Outline

Renewable

Sustainable

Hydro Power
Wind Energy

Oceanic Energy

Solar Power
Geothermal
Biomass

Hydrogen & Fuel Cells

Nuclear
Fossil Fuel Innovation
Exotic Technologies
Integration

Distributed Generation

17

Oceanic Energy Outline

Overview
Tidal Power

Technologies
Environmental
Impacts
Economics
Future Promise

Wave Energy

Technologies
Environmental
Impacts
Economics
Future Promise

Assessment

18

Overview of Oceanic
Energy

19

Sources of New Energy

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Global Primary Energy

Sources 2002

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Renewable Energy Use

2001

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Tidal Power

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Tidal Motions

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Tidal Forces

25
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Natural Tidal Bottlenecks

26
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Tidal Energy
Technologies
1. Tidal Turbine Farms
2. Tidal Barrages (dams)

27

1. Tidal Turbine Farms

28

Tidal Turbines (MCT Seagen)

750 kW 1.5 MW
15 20 m rotors
3 m monopile
10 20 RPM
Deployed in multi-unit
farms or arrays
Like a wind farm, but

Water 800x denser than air

Smaller rotors
More closely spaced

MCT Seagen Pile

29

http://www.marineturbines.com/technical.htm

Tidal Turbines
(Swanturbines)

Direct drive to generator

Gravity base

Versus a bored foundation

Fixed pitch turbine blades

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

No gearboxes

Improved reliability
But trades off efficiency

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Deeper Water Current

Turbine

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Oscillating Tidal Turbine

Oscillates up and down

150 kW prototype
operational (2003)
Plans for 3 5 MW
prototypes

http://www.engb.com

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Polo Tidal Turbine

Vertical turbine blades

Rotates under a
tethered ring
50 m in diameter
20 m deep
600 tonnes
Max power 12 MW

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Power from Land Tides (!)

http://www.geocities.com/newideasfromtelewise/tidalpowerplant.htm

34

Advantages of Tidal Turbines

Low Visual Impact

Low Noise Pollution

Sound levels transmitted are very low

High Predictability

Mainly, if not totally submerged.

Tides predicted years in advance, unlike wind

High Power Density

Much smaller turbines than wind turbines for the

same power

http://ee4.swan.ac.uk/egormeja/index.htm

35

Disadvantages of Tidal
Turbines

High maintenance costs

High power distribution costs
Somewhat limited upside capacity
Intermittent power generation

36

2. Tidal Barrage
Schemes

37

Definitions

Barrage

Flood

An artificial dam to increase the depth of water for

use in irrigation or navigation, or in this case,
generating electricity.
The rise of the tide toward land (rising tide)

Ebb

The return of the tide to the sea (falling tide)

38

Potential Tidal Barrage Sites

Only about 20 sites in the world have been identified as possible tidal barrage stations
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Schematic of Tidal Barrage

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Cross Section of a Tidal

Barrage

http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy_transport/atlas/htmlu/tidal.html

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Tidal Barrage Bulb Turbine

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Tidal Barrage Rim Generator

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Tidal Barrage Tubular

Turbine

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La Rance Tidal Power

Barrage
Rance River estuary, Brittany (France)

Largest in world
Completed in 1966
2410 MW bulb turbines (240 MW)

5.4 meter diameter

Capacity factor of ~40%

Maximum annual energy: 2.1 TWh
Realized annual energy: 840 GWh
Electric cost: 3.7/kWh
45

Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Tester et al., Sustainable Energy, MIT Press, 2005

La Rance Tidal Power

Barrage

http://www.stacey.peak-media.co.uk/Brittany2003/Rance/Rance.htm

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La Rance River, Saint Malo

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La Rance Barrage Schematic

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Cross Section of La Rance

Barrage

http://www.calpoly.edu/~cm/studpage/nsmallco/clapper.htm

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La Rance Turbine Exhibit

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Tidal Barrage Energy

R = range (height) of tide (in m)
Calculations

A = area of tidal pool (in km2)

m = mass of water
g = 9.81 m/s2 = gravitational constant
= 1025 kg/m3 = density of seawater
0.33 = capacity factor (20-35%)

E mgR / 2 ( AR) gR / 2
E 1397R A kWh per tidal cycle
2

Assuming 706 tidal cycles per year (12 hrs 24 min per cycle)

E yr 0.997 106R 2 A
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Tester et al., Sustainable Energy, MIT Press, 2005

La Rance Barrage Example

= 33%
R = 8.5 m
A = 22 km2
E yr 0.997 10 6R 2 A
E yr 0.997 10 (0.33)(8.5 )(22)
6

E yr 517 GWh/yr

52
Tester et al., Sustainable Energy, MIT Press, 2005

Proposed Severn Barrage

(1989)

Never constructed, but instructive

53
Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Proposed Severn Barrage

(1989)

Severn River estuary

Border between Wales and England

216 40 MW turbine generators (9.0m dia)

8,640 MW total capacity
17 TWh average energy output
Ebb generation with flow pumping
16 km (9.6 mi) total barrage length
8.2 ($15) billion estimated cost (1988)
54

Severn Barrage

Layout

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Severn Barrage Proposal

Effect on Tide Levels

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Severn Barrage Proposal

Power Generation over Time

57
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Severn Barrage Proposal

Capital Costs
~$15 billion
(1988 costs)

58
Boyle, et
Tester
Renewable
al., Sustainable
Energy,Energy,
OxfordMIT
University
Press, Press
2005 (2004)

Severn Barrage Proposal

Energy Costs
~10/kWh
(1989 costs)

59
Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Severn Barrage Proposal

Capital Costs versus Energy

Costs

1p 2

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Offshore Tidal Lagoon

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Tidal Fence

Array of vertical axis tidal

turbines
No effect on tide levels
Less environmental impact
than a barrage
1000 MW peak (600 MW
average) fences soon

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Promising Tidal Energy Sites

Country

Location

TWh/yr

GW

Canada

Fundy Bay

17

4.3

Cumberland

1.1

Alaska

6.5

2.3

Passamaquody

2.1

Argentina

San Jose Gulf

9.5

Russia

Orkhotsk Sea

125

44

India

Camby

15

7.6

Kutch

1.6

0.6

USA

Korea

10

Australia

5.7

http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy_transport/atlas/htmlu/tidalsites.html

1.9
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Tidal Barrage Environmental

Factors

Changes in estuary ecosystems

Less turbidity clearer water

More light, more life

Accumulation of silt

Less variation in tidal range

Fewer mud flats

Concentration of pollution in silt

Visual clutter
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Advantages of Tidal Barrages

High predictability

Similar to low-head dams

Tides predicted years in advance, unlike wind

Known technology

Protection against floods

Benefits for transportation (bridge)
Some environmental benefits

http://ee4.swan.ac.uk/egormeja/index.htm

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Disadvantages of Tidal
Turbines

High capital costs

Few attractive tidal power sites worldwide
Intermittent power generation
Silt accumulation behind barrage

Accumulation of pollutants in mud

Changes to estuary ecosystem

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Wave Energy

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Wave Structure

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Wave Frequency and

Amplitude

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Wave Patterns over Time

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Wave Power Calculations

Hs2 = Significant wave height 4x rms water elevation (m)
Te = avg time between upward movements across mean (s)
P = Power in kW per meter of wave crest length
2
s e

H T
P
2

Example: Hs2 = 3m and Te = 10s

H T 3 10
kW
P

45
2
2
m
2
s e

71

Global Wave Energy

Averages

Average wave energy (est.) in kW/m (kW per meter of wave length)

http://www.wavedragon.net/technology/wave-energy.htm

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Wave Energy Potential

Potential of 1,500 7,500 TWh/year

200,000 MW installed wave and tidal energy power

forecast by 2050

10 and 50% of the worlds yearly electricity demand

IEA (International Energy Agency)

Power production of 6 TWh/y

Load factor of 0.35
DTI and Carbon Trust (UK)

Independent of the different estimates the potential

for a pollution free energy generation is enormous.

http://www.wavedragon.net/technology/wave-energy.htm

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Wave Energy
Technologies

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Wave Concentration Effects

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Tapered Channel (Tapchan)

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/ocean.html

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Oscillating Water Column

http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/uses/EnergyResources/Background/Wave/W2.html

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Oscillating Column CrossSection

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

LIMPET Oscillating Water

Column

Completed 2000
Scottish Isles
Two counter-rotating
Wells turbines
Two generators
500 kW max power

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Mighty Whale Design

Japan

http://www.jamstec.go.jp/jamstec/MTD/Whale/

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Might Whale Design

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Turbines for Wave Energy

Turbine used in Mighty Whale

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

http://www.jamstec.go.jp/jamstec/MTD/Whale/

Ocean Wave Conversion

System

http://www.sara.com/energy/WEC.html

83

Wave Conversion System in

Action

84

Wave Dragon

Wave Dragon
Copenhagen, Denmark
http://www.WaveDragon.net

Click Picture for Video

http://www.wavedragon.net/technology/wave-energy.htm

85

Wave Dragon Energy Output

in a 24kW/m wave climate = 12 GWh/year

in a 36kW/m wave climate = 20 GWh/year
in a 48kW/m wave climate = 35 GWh/year
in a 60kW/m wave climate = 43 GWh/year
in a 72kW/m wave climate = 52 GWh/year.

http://www.wavedragon.net/technology/wave-energy.htm

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Declining Wave Energy Costs

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Wave Energy Power

Distribution

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Wave Energy Supply vs. Electric

Demand

89
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Wave Energy
Environmental
Impacts

90

Wave Energy Environmental

Impact

Little chemical pollution

Little visual impact
Some hazard to shipping
No problem for migrating fish, marine life
Extract small fraction of overall wave energy

Little impact on coastlines

Release little CO2, SO2, and NOx

11g, 0.03g, and 0.05g / kWh respectively

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Boyle, Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press (2004)

Wave Energy
Summary

92

Wave Power Advantages

Onshore wave energy systems can be incorporated

into harbor walls and coastal protection

Create calm sea space behind wave energy

systems

Reduce/share system costs

Providing dual use

Development of mariculture
Other commercial and recreational uses;

Long-term operational life time of plant

Non-polluting and inexhaustible supply of energy

http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/uses/EnergyResources/Background/Wave/W2.html

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Wave Power Disadvantages

High capital costs for initial construction

High maintenance costs
Wave energy is an intermittent resource
Requires favorable wave climate.
Investment of power transmission cables to shore
Degradation of scenic ocean front views
Interference with other uses of coastal and offshore
areas

navigation, fishing, and recreation if not properly sited

Reduced wave heights may affect beach processes

in the littoral zone

http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/uses/EnergyResources/Background/Wave/W2.html

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Wave Energy Summary

Potential as significant power supply (1 TW)

Intermittence problems mitigated by
integration with general energy supply
system
Many different alternative designs
Complimentary to other renewable and
conventional energy technologies

http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/uses/EnergyResources/Background/Wave/W2.html

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Future Promise

96

World Oceanic Energy

Potentials (GW)

Source
Tides
Waves
Currents
OTEC1
Salinity
World electric2
World hydro

Temperature gradients
2
As of 1998
1

Potential (est)
2,500 GW
2,7003
5,000
200,000
1,000,000

4,000
Along coastlines

Practical (est)
20 GW
500
50
40
NPA4
2,800
550
Not presently available

97
Tester et al., Sustainable Energy, MIT Press, 2005