Tidal Energy

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Tidal Energy

Driven by the constellation of moon and sun in relation to the Earth, tidal differences can be found in all oceans. The rise and fall of the water levels leads to strong tidal currents which reach their peaks. Extremely high flow velocities can be found especially at locations with natural restriction, for example in between islands or at entrances to estuaries or bays.

Tidal turbines are designed as free flow turbines, similar to wind turbines, with 2 or 3 blades. But other designs, for example of vertical axis turbines or ducted turbines with an enclosure to accelerate flow through the turbine can also be found. Since tidal currents are stronger towards the water surface, many turbines are designed on a floating structure. However, a lower exposure to wind and waves also favours turbines, based on the seabed in many sites. Both concepts have been successfully demonstrated at a scale larger than 1 MW per device.

Due to the high predictability of tidal currents over decades and even centuries, tidal energy can contribute to a stable energy production. In combination with storage this even allows for a highly efficient baseload energy source.. First sites for large scale electricity generation are already consented in the United Kingdom, France and Canada.

 Source: www.dutchmarineenergy.com

MEA SME’s working on Tidal Energy

 DVH Turbines Ltd  EEL Energy  Fishflow Tidal Power B.V.  GKinetic Energy Ltd  HydroWing Ltd  Infinities Global  Tidal Flyer Ltd.  Water2Energy