Tidal Energy Systems Overview

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What is the main principle behind the operation of a two-basin tidal plant?

Creating energy by harnessing solar power
Generating electricity through wind energy
Storing potential energy by filling an upper basin with water (correct)
Using geothermal heat to produce electricity

During which phase does the potential energy stored in a tidal plant get released?

As the sluice gates are closed
When the water levels are equal in both basins
During the high tide cycle
When water flows from the upper to lower basin (correct)

Which factor greatly influences the amount of potential energy available for generation in a tidal range power plant?

The tidal range between high tide and low tide (correct)
The temperature of the water in the basins
The type of turbines used
The geographical location of the plant

What is the role of sluice gates in a tidal barrage?

To control the release of water from the upper to the lower basin (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Closed-Cycle OTEC from Open-Cycle OTEC?

The working fluid being vaporized and condensed in a closed loop (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of OTEC?

Requires significant land use for setup (D) Signup and view all the answers

What element in the operation of a tidal power plant converts mechanical energy into electrical energy?

Turbines (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT impact the power developed by a tidal range power plant?

The design of the turbines (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the turbined water flow contribute to electricity generation in a tidal barrage?

It drives generators to produce electricity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What primary feature of ocean thermal energy conversion systems allows them to produce power continuously?

The constant temperature gradient in the ocean (B) Signup and view all the answers

What principle do tidal stream generators operate on?

They capture kinetic energy from moving water currents. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tidal plant is characterized by exploiting differences in water levels between high and low tides?

Tidal Range Power Plant (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of tidal stream generators?

They have less environmental impact. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do tidal kite systems generate electricity?

Using their movement in a figure-eight pattern. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of two basin tidal power plants?

They create a tidal barrage or dam. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What operation occurs during high tide in a tidal range power plant?

Water enters the basin creating a tidal range. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of tidal power plants has a higher potential for energy generation due to a large tidal range?

Two Basin Tidal Plants (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of tidal plant uses tethered underwater kites?

Tidal Kite System (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of tidal energy?

Ability to produce energy at night (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tidal plant has to consider the movement of water and currents to effectively generate energy?

Single Basin Tidal Plants (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges faced by OTEC systems?

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

In which regions is OTEC most effective?

Tropical and subtropical regions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What fluid is commonly used in OTEC systems for vaporization?

Ammonia (A) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the Evaporator of an Open Cycle OTEC system?

Warm seawater vaporizes the working fluid (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between Open Cycle and Closed Cycle OTEC systems?

Open Cycle does not recycle its working fluid (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the vaporized fluid in the OTEC system after it passes through the turbine?

It condenses back into a liquid (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the engineering challenges associated with OTEC systems?

Material corrosion (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

To condense vaporized fluid back into liquid (A) Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the limited power density of OTEC systems?

Temperature differences (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common disadvantage of both Open and Closed Cycle OTEC systems?

Limited commercial deployment (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the stored potential energy in the upper basin during low tide in a two-basin tidal plant?

It is released as water flows to the lower basin. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the power output of a tidal range power plant?

Basin location (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the warm surface water play in the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) process?

It vaporizes a low-boiling-point fluid in the heat exchanger. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of tidal barrage power plants?

They create a barrier between the sea and an estuary. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the ecological considerations of tidal power plants?

They can affect local wildlife and their habitats. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)?

It provides a sustainable and renewable energy source. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the vaporized fluid in a closed-cycle OTEC system after it drives the turbine?

It is condensed back into a liquid. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During what condition is the upper basin filled in a two-basin tidal plant?

During high tide. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of OTEC system utilizes seawater directly for power generation?

Open-Cycle OTEC (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in determining the potential energy available for electricity generation in tidal power plants?

The height difference between high tide and low tide (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of single basin tidal plants?

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

How do tidal stream generators convert tidal energy into electricity?

By rotating underwater turbines with tidal currents (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of tidal kite systems compared to traditional tidal plants?

Greater flexibility in adapting to tidal changes (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a tidal range power plant from other tidal plants?

It exploits the potential energy from water height differences (D) Signup and view all the answers

During which condition does a tidal range power plant generate electricity?

While the tide is receding (D) Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is typically used to control water flow in a tidal range power plant?

Sluice gates within a tidal barrage (C) Signup and view all the answers

What process is utilized in tidal kite systems to generate electricity?

Kites move in a figure-eight pattern with the current (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common environmental benefit of tidal energy compared to fossil fuels?

Lower carbon emissions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor relates to the energy generation capacity of a tidal range power plant?

Difference in water levels between tides (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant operational aspect of tidal stream generators?

They are dependent on the horizontal movement of water (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge in the construction of OTEC plants?

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

In which regions is Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) most effective?

Tropical and subtropical regions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about Open Cycle OTEC systems?

They utilize seawater directly as the working fluid. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What causes the vaporized fluid in an Open Cycle OTEC system to drive a turbine?

Heating from warm surface seawater (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant engineering obstacle is associated with OTEC systems?

Managing biofouling and corrosion (C) Signup and view all the answers

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

To absorb heat from cold seawater (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the key difference between Open Cycle and Closed Cycle OTEC systems?

Closed Cycle has a continuous recycling of working fluid. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of limited power density in OTEC systems?

It restricts the amount of electricity they can generate. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which low-boiling-point fluid is commonly used in OTEC systems for vaporization?

Ammonia (C) Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does Closed Cycle OTEC have over Open Cycle OTEC?

Ability to operate in a wider range of temperatures (D) Signup and view all the answers

Tidal Power

A form of hydropower using ocean tides to generate electricity

Single Basin Plant

Tidal power plant harnessing the kinetic energy of tidal currents