What is Wave and Tidal Energy? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts

What is Wave and Tidal Energy?

Converting the energy of ocean waves and tides into energy that we can use is new and unproven technology. However, the potential is to have a renewable and clean energy source with the environment.

What is Wave Energy?

Wave energy is energy harnessed from ocean waves. Waves are formed by wind moving over the ocean’s surface. Large amounts of energy are stored in waves.

What is Tidal Energy?

Tidal energy is the energy generated by the ocean’s tides. Tides are generated by the Moon’s gravity as well as the Earth’s rotation. There is a lot of energy in the movement of this water.

Renewable Energy

Wave and tidal energy is considered renewable energy because we don’t use anything as we convert their energy into something usable like electricity.

How do we get Power from Waves?

Scientists believe that we can obtain wave energy in three main ways:

Surface devices – These are powered by waves that cause them to rise and fall on the ocean’s surface.

Underwater devices – These devices range from ball-like objects attached to the ocean floor to long tubes that extend long distances. When waves cause them to oscillate, they move a turbine and generate electricity.

Reservoir – These devices take advantage of waves that move water into a reservoir on the shore. As the water returns to the ocean, it is pushed through a tube and rotates the turbine blades. The turbine then converts the energy into electricity.

How do we get Power from the Tides?

There are also three main ways to harness tidal energy:

Tidal Barrages – Tide Barrages works like a dam. At high tide, the reservoir fills up. When the tide goes out, the dam lets the water out. In either direction, moving water can rotate turbine blades to generate electricity.

Tidal Fences – These are structures smaller than a dam. Several vertical turbines form a barrier between two land masses. At high or low tide, the turbine rotates and produces electricity.

Tidal Turbines – These are individual turbines placed wherever there is a strong tidal current.

History of Wave and Tidal Energy

The concept of wave energy has been around since the 1800s, but modern wave technology began in the 1940s with the experiments of scientist Yoshio Masuda. Funding for wave energy technology has recently increased due to the need for renewable energy sources. The world’s first wave power plant was opened in 2008 at the Agucadoura Wave Farm in Portugal.

Tidal energy to spin the water wheel and grind grain has been used since Roman times and into the Middle Ages. The idea of ​​using tidal energy for electricity is fairly new, but the cost is too high to make it the main source of energy. Recent technological advances have shown that it can become a competitive and viable source.

Are there any Drawbacks to Wave and Tidal Energy?

The main limitation of these technologies today is cost. The cost of installing and maintaining a large tidal or wave power plant is too high compared to other alternatives such as wind farms. Another drawback is the limited number of locations where current technologies can be installed economically.

Wave and tidal energy can also have an effect on the environment. Large tidal barriers can make it difficult for fish to migrate. In addition, rotating turbines can injure animals and fish.

Fun Facts about Wave and Tidal Energy

Tidal turbines are more expensive to build and maintain than wind turbines, but produce more power. They also produce more stable electricity because the tides are constant while the wind is not blowing all the time.

Wave and tidal energy converters are located near the shore. Installation, maintenance, energy harvesting and energy recovery are easier when located near the coast.