Tidal Energy Sources and Production Methods

Questions and Answers

What is the primary force behind the creation of high and low tides?

The Earth's rotational power

The ocean's thermal energy

The wind's impact on the ocean's surface

The gravitational pull of the moon and sun (correct)

What is the purpose of a tidal barrage?

To protect coastal areas from erosion

To study the effects of tidal energy on marine life

To generate energy by taking advantage of the difference in height between high and low tides (correct)

To store ocean water for later use

How often do two tides occur in most coastal regions?

Per day (correct)

Daily

Twice a week

Monthly

What is the classification of tidal energy?

Renewable Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of a tidal turbine?

A machine that resembles an underwater windmill Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a tidal lagoon?

To generate continuous power Signup and view all the answers

When was tidal movement first investigated as a way to generate electricity?

20th century Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of tidal energy due to the moon's gravitational pull?

Inexhaustible and predictable Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of tidal energy compared to wind and solar energy?

Independence from weather patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is a concern of environmentalists regarding tidal energy generators?

Disruption of marine life migration Signup and view all the answers

Why is tidal energy considered an irregular energy source?

Due to the rise and fall of tides twice a day Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge in transporting tidal energy generators?

Transporting the generator to remote locations Signup and view all the answers

Why are tidal energy generators vulnerable to severe weather?

Due to the location of tidal energy plants on coastlines Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of tidal energy in reducing carbon emissions?

It emits zero greenhouse gases Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge in constructing tidal energy turbines?

The need for a sturdier turbine due to the density of the water Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tidal Energy Sources

Tidal energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses the power of ocean tides caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.
The rise and fall of ocean waters creates high and low tides, which can be used to generate electricity.

Methods of Tidal Energy Production

Tidal turbines: underwater windmill-like machines that convert tidal energy into electricity.
Tidal barrages: turbines placed inside a dam-like structure that closes and opens with the tide to produce energy.
Tidal lagoons: enclosed bodies of ocean water along a natural coastline that generate continuous power.

Characteristics of Tidal Energy

Renewable energy source due to the moon's gravitational pull.
Inexhaustible energy supply as long as the moon orbits the earth.
Predictable energy source due to the moon's relationship with the tides.
Clean and cheap energy source with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Advantages of Tidal Energy

High energy density due to the density of water.
Reliable source of energy compared to wind and solar energy.

Disadvantages of Tidal Energy

High upfront costs for constructing turbines and barrages.
Limited suitable locations with significant tidal ranges.
Potential detriments to marine life, such as disruption of fish migration and killing of fish by turbines.
Intermittent nature requires reliable energy storage systems.
Difficult to transport generators to remote locations.
Vulnerability to severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes and typhoons.