Energy from Ocean: Tidal Power

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What is the main principle of a tidal stream generator?

Converting the movement of underwater kites into electrical energy
Harnessing the energy of ocean waves
Capturing the kinetic energy of moving water currents (correct)
Using the rise and fall of ocean tides to generate electricity

What is the primary function of a tidal power plant?

To harness the energy generated by the rise and fall of ocean tides (correct)
To convert tidal currents into mechanical energy
To produce electricity from underwater thermal energy
To generate electricity from ocean waves

What is the advantage of tidal stream generators compared to other forms of energy generation?

Higher energy output
Lower installation costs
Less environmental impact (correct)
Greater flexibility in operation

In a tidal kite system, what is the pattern of movement of the tidal kite?

Figure-eight pattern (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of rotating turbines in a tidal stream generator?

To drive the generators (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for tidal power plants?

Tidal currents (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a single basin and two-basin tidal power plant?

The number of tidal basins (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a single basin tidal power plant, what is the primary focus?

Capturing the kinetic energy of moving water currents (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of tidal currents that makes them suitable for tidal power generation?

Predictability and consistency (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the operation of a tidal stream generator?

Transmitting the generated electricity to the grid (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of tidal power plants?

Their ability to produce predictable and reliable electricity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle of operation of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems?

Leveraging the temperature difference between the ocean's surface and deeper layers (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of closed-cycle OTEC systems?

Their ability to use a working fluid with a low boiling point (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge associated with the construction of OTEC plants?

High initial cost (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of OTEC systems in terms of environmental impact?

Their relatively low environmental impact (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of tidal power plants in terms of power generation?

Their ability to produce predictable and reliable electricity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge associated with the location of OTEC systems?

Finding locations with a significant temperature difference between surface and deep seawater (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of open-cycle OTEC systems?

Their ability to use seawater directly as the working fluid (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge associated with the engineering of OTEC systems?

Dealing with corrosion and biofouling (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of OTEC systems in terms of sustainability?

Their ability to utilize a renewable energy source (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Evaporator in an OTEC system?

To vaporize the working fluid using warm seawater (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical temperature of the warm surface seawater used in OTEC systems?

Around 20-25°C (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between open and closed cycle OTEC systems?

Whether seawater is used directly as the working fluid (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Condenser in an OTEC system?

To condense the working fluid back into a liquid using cold seawater (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of closed cycle OTEC systems over open cycle systems?

They can operate in a wider range of temperature conditions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of both open and closed cycle OTEC systems?

To generate electricity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the turbine in an OTEC system?

To generate electricity using the vaporized working fluid (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical temperature of the cold seawater used in OTEC systems?

Around 5-10°C (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of open cycle OTEC systems?

They are limited by the availability of warm seawater (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cold seawater intake in an OTEC system?

To condense the working fluid back into a liquid (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of two-basin tidal power plants?

Exploiting potential energy from tidal range (C) Signup and view all the answers

What component controls the flow of water in a tidal range power plant?

Sluice gates and turbines (B) Signup and view all the answers

During high tide in a two-basin tidal plant, what happens to the water?

It is stored in the upper basin creating potential energy (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sluice gates in a tidal range power plant during low tide?

To prevent water flow between basins (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the choice of tidal power plant technology dependent on various factors?

To reduce environmental impact (A) Signup and view all the answers

What determines the potential energy available for electricity generation in a tidal range power plant?

The tidal range (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of a two-basin tidal power plant over other types?

Predictable energy output based on tidal patterns (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the tidal barrage do in a tidal range power plant?

Creates potential energy storage (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is released as water flows from the upper basin to the lower basin in a two-basin tidal plant?

Stored potential energy (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the development of tidal power continuing to evolve?

As technologies are refined and demand for renewable energy increases (A) Signup and view all the answers