Noor Ahmed 10C
Science
Mr. Hennard
One World: Tidal Energy
Inventions are always being created to solve the many dilemmas of the present
world. There have long been many problems seeking salvation through multiple
solutions and fossil fuel burned energy is no different. There are many different
solutions to the problem of developing a renewable energy resource, however
scientists and governments are continuously searching for a solution that is best fit to
a nation and it’s people. It is well known that Qatar will be hosting the FIFA 2022
world cup, and it also faces the gargantuan task of manufacturing a low carbon
emitting air conditioning system, in order to cool down the many stadiums for game
viewers. The root of this problem is at thee source of the energy. One way that could
be appropriate for Qatar would be the implementation of tidal energy systems. There
is a relatively simple science in manufacturing them and conducting the electricity.
However, there are drawbacks in its effectiveness, and different concepts to be
considered in terms of the economy and environment. That being said, tidal energy
can definitely be a potentially fantastic way of creating the vision of a low carbon
level electricity conductor.
An ocean’s tide is a natural phenomenon that occurs twice daily, known as a
‘tidal wave’. The gist of what occurs is the ocean moving of immense amounts of
water in a manner, which can conduct
likewise massive amounts of energy, to be
converted into electricity, (Sherwood, Chris,
2012). The very first tidal energy system was
created in 1966 in France, at the La Rance
River; it was a productive first trial of a
(How Tides Work: Starts With A Bang 2012)
research based experimental structure. When processed correctly, tidal energy has the
potential to create electricity, to the comparison of ten times the amount of electricity
a nuclear power can generate, (La Rance Barrage, 2012).
The process of collecting tidal energy to convert into electricity is
distinguishably similar to process conducted with windmills. However, water is far
denser than air therefore, it’s force (particularly within ocean swells) creates and uses
a far greater amount of energy, making it even more beneficial to put in place. “…the
amount of extractable energy in a given volume of water is about 800 times greater
than from the same volume of air…” (Water Energy: Power from Ocean and Water,
2012). The process of collecting the tidal energy requires propellers sunk into a
shallow depth of the ocean water. These are mounted to gearbox shafts as well as
cables to pass the converted energy to shore. The tidal wave pushes the water, which
then flows into and turns the
turbines with a sum of energy,
turning them like propellers, back
and forth. The turbines (which are
sunk in the water) trap the energy
from the tidal wave and pass it
onto individual or dual, gearbox
shafts, which primarily convert the
energy (from the tidal wave) into
electricity. The gearbox shafts are
connected to a longer system of
underwater cables coated in
piping, which take the
(1.2 MW Tidal Energy Turbine Ready for Installation, 2012)
electricity to the shore, (Tidal Power: How It Works – YouTube, 2012).
The concept of tidal energy is seemingly very attractive at first glance, due to
the positive outcomes that can perhaps occur, however these positive outcomes will
not always occur guaranteed. Therefore, it is important to understand that there are
factors that can determine the effectiveness of the process. In actuality the system will
generally only function at the highest rate if there are large differences in tide levels.
A swell of (at the slightest) sixteen feet between, low and high tide is considered
necessary, and there are minimal coastlines at which this occurs. However when built
properly and effective the concept can produce great amounts of renewable
electricity, “…One plant in France makes enough energy from tides to power 240,000
homes,” (Tidal Power - How Tidal Power Plants Work, 2012).
The technology used in tidal energy systems are very well refined, therefore
the price of installing the project is fairly expensive. Also, developing a tidal energy
project will most likely span over roughly ten years, if built at a steady pace, which
adds to usual construction costs as well as employed labor. This would mean the
construction would have to begin very soon (Tidal Energy, 2012). Furthermore, one
factor that effects the price of the product would be the amount of difference in height
between high and low tide, in order to have prepared an appropriately sized turbine,
amongst other pieces. However, Qatar itself is an economically stable country, with
the money to be able to progress in developing such a project, particularly for an
event as prestigious as the ‘FIFA World Cup’.
Tidal power is a renewable form of energy production and therefore has no
relation to fossil fuel emitting gases. It does not contribute to pollution in the
atmosphere such as in the forms of acidic rain, or contribution to overwhelming
amounts of carbon dioxide in the air. Generally tidal energy has a very small impact
on the environment in either a negative or positive way. There has been note of slight
changes in the differences between tidal heights, however these once again are very
slight changes, and could potentially occur naturally. Issues differ between plants in
separate locations, and even then are fairly miniscule. (Fossil Fuels, How Is
Electricity Generated, 2012).
Overall, though there are disadvantages to using tidal energy as an electricity
source, I personally feel as though Qatar has the means to test it and see if it would be
an appropriate solution to the issue. Tidal energy definitely has the promise to become
a leading source of renewable energy, if conducted appropriately.
Works Cited
"1.2 MW Tidal Energy Turbine Ready for Installation." The Energy Blog. Web. 12
Feb. 2012. <http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2007/06/12-mw-tidalene.html>.
"Fossil Fuels, How Is Electricity Generated." Joules' Energy Chest, Energy in
Buildings, Energy Sources, Energy and the Environment. Web. 12 Feb. 2012.
<http://www.energychest.net/energy_sources/es_fossilfuels2.html>.
"How Tides Work : Starts With A Bang." ScienceBlogs. Web. 12 Feb. 2012.
<http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2010/02/how_tides_work.php>.
"La Rance Barrage." Wyre Tidal Energy. Web. 12 Feb. 2012.
<http://www.wyretidalenergy.com/tidal-barrage/la-rance-barrage>.
Sherwood, Chris. "How Does Tidal Energy Work? | EHow.com." EHow | How to
Videos, Articles & More - Discover the Expert in You. | EHow.com. Web. 12
Feb. 2012. <http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4574050_tidal-energywork.html>.
"Tidal Energy." Ocean Energy Council. Web. 12 Feb. 2012.
<http://www.oceanenergycouncil.com/index.php/Tidal-Energy/TidalEnergy.html>.
"Tidal Power: How It Works - YouTube." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 12
Feb. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUl1mJQHmc>.
"Tidal Power - How Tidal Power Plants Work." Inventors. Web. 12 Feb. 2012.
<http://inventors.about.com/od/tstartinventions/a/tidal_power.htm>.
"Water Energy: Power from Ocean and Water." Fluoride Water Filters, Whole House
Filters, Chloramine Filters, Cooling Clothes, Cool Vests. Web. 12 Feb. 2012.
<http://www.friendsofwater.com/Water_Energy.html>.