Tidal & Wave Power
Andrew Chavous & Carlo Raiteri
Tides
Tides are the rise and
fall of sea levels
caused by the
combined effects of the
gravitational forces
exerted by the Moon
and the Sun and the
rotation of the Earth.
What is Tidal Energy
 Tidal power, also called tidal energy, is a form
of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into
useful forms of power - mainly electricity. This is the
only form of energy whose source is the moon.
History of Tidal Energy
 Tide mills are one of the oldest forms of energy
 787 A.D. on Spanish, French and British coasts
 The incoming water was contained in large storage ponds,
and as the tide went out it turned waterwheels producing
mechanical power to mill grain
 19th century – Process of using Tidal Power to create
electricity was introduced in U.S. and Europe
 1966 – First large-scale tidal power plant was built in France
Examples of Tidal Energy
Generation
 Tidal Barrage
 Tidal Streams (turbines)
 Tidal Lagoons
Tidal Barrage
 The Rance tidal barrage in North-West France is
one of the largest in the world
Tidal Streams
 Make use of the kinetic energy of moving water to
power turbines in a similar way to wind turbines that
use wind to power turbines
Tidal Lagoons
Pros & Cons of Tidal Energy
PROS
CONS

Consistent Power

Marine Life Affected

Pollution-Free

High Initial Cost

Low Operating Costs

Device Breakdown

Renewable

Only provides power for around 10 hrs

Efficient

Few suitable sites for tidal barrages

Tides are predictable

Locations are often remote

Impacts are local not global

May restrict access to open water

Provide a storm surge barrier

Can change tidal levels

Decreases salinity in tidal basins

Captures waste near the coast

Reduces kinetic energy of the ocean
Future of Tidal Energy
 Potential for future electricity generation
 Tides are more predictable than wind and solar energy.
 Many recent technological developments and
improvements, both in design and turbine technology,
indicate that the total availability of tidal power may be
much higher than previously assumed
 Economic and environmental costs may be brought
down to competitive levels.
Wave Energy
 Wave power devices take energy directly from surface
waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface.
Wave power is of course powered by waves. As a wave
goes by, the buoy rotates and transforms mechanical
energy into electrical energy.
History of Wave Energy
 First patent to use energy converted from waves dates back
to 1799 in Paris.
 From 1855 to 1973 there was a drastic increase in exploring
potential of wave energy, as 340 patents were filed in
England alone.
 During the 1970's gasoline crisis, wave power was pushed
in order to be a good long term energy solution.
 Later, the energy crisis was resolved yet the leaps and
bounds made in the innovation of wave power remained.
 2008 – First experimental wave farm opened in Portugal
Example of Wave Energy
Pros & Cons of Wave Energy
PROS
 Consistent Power
 Pollution Free
 Low Operating Cost
 Renewable
 Minimal Visual Impact
 Efficient
 Shoreline Protection
 Enormous Energy Potential
 Offshore Wave Power
CONS
 Marine Life Effected (not
sure)
 Device Breakdown
 High Initial Cost
 Few Implemented
 Early Stages of Development
Future of Wave Energy
 Wave power has an enormous global potential.
 We need more funding and research to polish the
technology involved, pushing prices down to a
competitive level.
 Price for generating energy from ocean waves is still
about twice as high as that of wind energy.