TIDAL ENERGY

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.

TYPES OF TIDES
• Tides Based on Frequency
• Semi-Diurnal Tides
• Diurnal Tides
• Mixed

• Tides Based on the Position of Earth, Sun, and the Moon

• Spring Tides
• Neap Tides
SEMI-DIURNAL TIDES
• A semi-diurnal tidal cycle is the one with two nearly equal high tides and two
low tides each day.
• The interval between the high and the low tides is of around 12 hours and 25
minutes.
• Semi-Diurnal Tides are most widespread in the Indian Ocean. The other
prevalent coasts where semi-diurnal tides are experiences are:
• Eastern African Coast
• Bay of Bengal
DIURNAL TIDES
• It means four tides in a day. Two tides by the sun and two by the moon.
• It should be noted that when Sun, Moon, and Earth are in the same line, the
position is known as the Syzygy. This syzygy can be of 2 types :
• Conjunction: when the moon and sun are on the same side
• Opposition: When the moon and sun are on the opposite side In both of
these conditions, the magnitude of the tide will be equally high.
MIXED TIDES
• A tidal cycle with two unequal high and low tides lead to the formation of the
mixed tidal cycle, or simply called mixed tide.
• This tidal cycle has both semi-diurnal and diurnal oscillations. It is widely
observed in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
• Southeastern Brazilian coast also witnesses mixed tides.
SPRING TIDES
• Spring tides are formed when the sun and the moon are in line with each other
and pull the ocean surface in the same direction.
• This leads to higher high tides and lowers low tides and such tide is called a
spring tide.
• In a lunar month, it occurs twice. It is also known by the name of ‘King Tide.’
• Note: The aspirants should know that the spring season has nothing to do with
spring tides. The word ‘Spring’ in spring tides means ‘springing forth.’ These
occur in full or new moon days.  In both new moon or full moon days, the
sun’s gravitational pull is added to the moon’s gravitational pull on Earth,
causing the oceans to bulge a bit more than usual. This results in ‘higher’ high
tides and ‘lower’ low tides.
NEAP TIDES
• It occurs seven days after the spring tide.
• The prominent point is that the sun and the moon are at the right angle to each
other.
• This tide occurs during the first and the last quarter of the moon.
• The gravitational pull of the moon and the resulting oceanic bulge is cancelled
out by the gravitational pull of the sun and its resulting oceanic bulge.
• Also, in contrast to spring tides, the high tides are ‘lower’ and the low tides are
comparatively ‘higher’ in neap tides.
CHARACTERISTICS OF TIDES
Tide changes as per the 4 stages given below.
1. Flood Tide – Over a period of several hours there will
be a rise in sea level.
2. High Tide – This is a stage where the water reaches
its maximum level.
3. Ebb Tide – This is a stage where sea level keeps
receding over several hours.
4. Low Tide – The Level of Seawater stops receding.
TIDAL POWER
• Tidal power or tidal energy is harnessed by converting energy from tides into useful forms
of power, mainly electricity using various methods.
• Tidal energy is presently one of the more favored forms of marine renewable energy
because, due to its origins in (astronomical) tide generating forces, it is predictable.
• This method of power generation causes zero direct greenhouse emissions; however, the
environmental impact of tidal energy is yet to be confirmed.
APPLICATION OF TIDAL ENERGY
• Tidal Electricity – Like other forms of Energy, the main usage of Tidal Energy is in
the generation of Electricity.
• Grain Mills – Tidal Energy has been used for hundreds of years. Just like Windmills,
Tidal Energy was used for the mechanical crushing of grains in grain mills.
• Energy Storage – Tidal Energy can also be used as a store of Energy. Like many of
the hydroelectric dams which can be used a large Energy Storage, so Tidal Barrages
with their reservoirs can be modified to store energy.
• Provide Protection to Coast in High Storms – Tidal Barrages can prevent Damage to
the Coast during High Storms and also provide an easy transport method
METHODS
• Tidal power can be classified into three generating
methods which uses the basic principle of
converting the mechanical energy of tidal
movements into electricity.
• Tidal stream generator
• Tidal barrage
• Tidal lagoon
TIDAL STREAM GENERATOR
• Tidal stream generators make use of the kinetic energy of moving water to turn a turbine—
similar to the way a wind turbine uses wind to create electricity.
• However, the power available for tidal power generation in a given area can be greater than a
wind turbine due to the higher density of water. These types of tidal generators tend to be the
cheapest (though still quite expensive) and most environmentally friendly of any type of tidal
power generation.
• These types of generators have a very low visual impact and are mostly or totally submerged.
• Furthermore, they are less intrusive to marine life because they produce less noise pollution.
• Tides are more predictable than wind (which varies a great deal). The density of water is also
much higher than air, which means that tidal turbines can be much smaller than wind turbines
for the same output. This is further enhanced by the use of the Venturi effect, which is a way of
getting water to move faster through these turbines.
• The initial investment costs for all types of tidal power technology are extremely high and it
takes quite a while to make back that investment. In addition, sea water is
quite corrosive which leads to high maintenance costs.
• Since the tides flow-in and recede once per day, tidal stream generators provide intermittent
power generation.
VARYING TYPES OF GENERATORS:
• Axial (horizontal) turbines: Axial turbines have a rotor that is parallel to the
incoming water stream. They use rotors similar to those seen on wind turbines but have
modifications due to the differing fluid properties of water from air. These devices use the
lift of water to generate power. This requires specially shaped airfoil surfaces designed to
create a pressure difference. This leads to a net force in the direction perpendicular to the
water flow and thus turns the device. Rotors of this type must be carefully oriented (the
orientation is referred to as the rotor pitch), to maintain their ability to harness the power
of the tide as it changes.
• Cross-flow turbines: Cross flow turbines have a rotor that is perpendicular to the water
flow but parallel to the water surface. Unlike axial turbines, these devices typically use
the drag of water to generate power. In drag-based turbines, the force of the water pushes
against a surface, like wind on an open sail. This works because the drag of the open face
of the turbine blade is greater than the drag on its closed face. Drag based devices are
inherently less efficient than their lift-based counterparts because they operate with
respect to the relative flow speed of the water. This means that as a turbine rotates faster
the relative flow speed of the water will decrease and thus transfer less of its energy.
• Vertical axis turbines: With vertical axis turbines the rotational axis of the rotor is
vertical to the water surface and also perpendicular to the incoming water flow. Both lift
and drag type blades can be used in these turbines.

• Oscillating generators: Oscillating devices do not have a rotational component, instead

these generators make use of sections which are pushed sideways by the flowing current to
create a hydraulic pump. This pump transfers its energy to a motor, which then turns a
generator and creates electricity.
TIDAL BARRAGE
• Tidal barrage systems are a tidal power generation method that work similar
to hydropower and have sluices that control the tidal flow to drive turbines and
generate electricity.
• Benefits:
• These types of dams can be used not only to
produce renewable energy, but also to reduce flooding. As
the global effects of climate change becomes more evident,
the world is faced with the very real threat of rising sea
levels. Tidal barrages can be used to prevent flooding of low
lying areas - areas that already are at a high risk of flooding -
by holding back or releasing water as necessary.
• Furthermore, the Moon and Sun aren't going anywhere
anytime soon (nor are their influence on the tidal forces)
which means that we can easily produce this type of tidal
power for as long as we need. This also means that tides are
easily predictable and repetitive which allows us to know
exactly when and how much power is attainable.
• Drawbacks:
• Tidal barrages alter the flow of saltwater in and out of
estuaries, which can alter the quality of the seawater and
thus negatively impact and displace marine life in the
area. Furthermore, barrage systems have high
development costs and it can be difficult to justify using
so much capital especially when
the environmental threats are taken into consideration.
• The other, perhaps obvious, problem with tidal power is
that you need tides. It is important to think of tidal power
not as a one-off solution for the world's energy needs, but
rather, to see it as a contributor to a low-carbon electricity
generation portfolio.
BARRAGE DESIGNS:
• There are several different types and methods of producing electricity by tidal barrage.
However, there are two main classes that are used. Typically the type or class used
depends on the environmental circumstances of an area.
• Ebb Generation: Ebb generation uses gates that allow the water to fill a basin to the normal
level, these gates are then closed at full tide. The water is then held back for a few hours while
the tide recedes, the gates are then opened and the water flows through turbines for several
hours generating electricity through to low tide.
• Two-way Generation: Two-way generation uses turbines to generate power during both
flood and ebb tide. All the water flows through the turbines and, unlike ebb generation, the
water is not held back but allowed to flow freely and constantly turn the turbines. The energy
produced is usually less than ebb generation but electricity is produced over a longer period of
time, which can be beneficial depending on what the energy requirements are for a specific area.
TIDAL LAGOON
• A tidal lagoon is a power station that generates electricity from the natural rise and fall of
the tides. Tidal lagoons work in a similar way to tidal barrages by capturing a large
volume of water behind a man-made structure which is then released to drive turbines and
generate electricity.
• Unlike a barrage, where the structure spans an entire river estuary in a straight line, a
tidal lagoon encloses an area of coastline with a high tidal range behind a breakwater,
with a footprint carefully designed for the local environment.
Generating on the flood tide Holding period at high or low water

Generating on the ebb tide

• The lagoon wall: The primary purpose of the lagoon wall is to ‘dam up’ the ebb and of flood tide. To achieve this, the
wall is required to have a very low permeability (leakage rate) to prevent the tide from escaping through the wall rather
than flowing through the turbines.
• By constructing the central portion of the wall from a dense sand or gravel, and protecting it against the incoming waves
and weather degradation with large armour rock, the wall will function as intended.
• The concrete structures housing the turbines and sluice gates are built so that the turbines are permanently submerged.
• The size and shape of the lagoon depends on a lot of factors. As well as the tidal range, the water depth, sea conditions,
environmental impacts and navigation all have a big influence on which locations are suitable to build a lagoon.
• Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon will have a breakwater of around 9.5km, enclosing an area of 11.5km2 and including 16
turbines. Our future fleet of lagoons will have longer walls, larger enclosed areas and potentially multiple turbine houses,
allowing us to generate even more renewable energy.
ADVANTAGES OF TIDAL ENERGY
• Tidal energy is a renewable resource: wave energy is a renewable resource as it is almost
impossible to deplete the natural process that controls the tides.
• This form of electricity generation is extremely predictable: Tide cycles are as regular as
clockwork, making it easy to predict the opportune time for energy generation.
• The longevity of tidal energy machinery: The lifespan of a tidal energy plant is estimated
to be between 75 and 100 years, which exceeds the expected lifespan of a nuclear power
plant.

Tidal energy machinery Tide cycles Tides

DISADVANTAGES OF TIDAL ENERGY
• The environmental consequences of tidal energy are unknown: While we do know that tidal
energy generation does not emit greenhouse gases, there has not been enough research into the
environmental consequences of running a plant.
• Construction costs are high: While the maintenance and running costs of tidal energy plants are
low, the upfront construction costs are high, making investing in the technology risky when you
consider the difficulties surrounding construction, such as:
• Installation in moving water
• Technical knowledge required is more expensive than those involved in wind or solar farms
• Tidal projects tend to exceed allocated budgets
• EMF emissions may be problematic: Similar to the above, more research needs to be done to
understand the impact electromagnetic emissions (EMF) has on marine life.
 
 THREATS OF TIDAL ENERGY
TO THE ENVIRONMENT

• The main environmental concerns with tidal energy are from the turbine
blades striking or entangling marine organisms, as higher speed flowing
water increases the risk of organisms being pulled near or through these
devices.
• As with all offshore renewable energies, there is also a concern about
how the creation of electromagnetic fields and acoustic outputs may
affect marine organisms.
 COMPARISON WITH OTHER SOURCES
OF ENERGY
• Tidal stream generators draw energy from water currents in the same
way as wind turbines draw energy from air currents.
• However, the potential for power generation by an individual tidal
turbine can be greater than that of a similarly wind energy turbine,
due to the higher density of water relative to air (water is about 800
times the density of air).
• A single tidal generator can provide significantly more power at low
tidal flow velocities compared with a similarly sized wind turbine.
• While the initial cost of building tidal energy plants is high, tidal
energy power plants are expected to run for a very long time, which
make them more cost-effective in the long run.
SIHWA LAKE TIDAL POWER STATION
SIHWA LAKE TIDAL POWER STATION
• Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station is the world's largest tidal power
installation, with a total power output capacity of 254 MW

• Country-South Korea
• Location-Sihwa Lake, Gyeonggi Province

• The tidal barrage makes use of a seawall constructed in 1994 for

flood mitigation and agricultural purposes.

• With limited energy resources and a need to a develop pollution

free and clean energy, tidal energy offers some strong advantages
in comparison to other
• It was created to provide reclaimed land
for the nearby metropolitan area, flood
mitigation and secure irrigation water by
converting the coastal reservoir to fresh
water.
• The Sihwa tidal power plant generates
one-way power twice a day at high tide.
The sluice gates are closed as the tide
comes in which isolates the reservoir at its
lowest level. When the tide is high, water
then flows from the West Sea to Sihwa
lake via the ten turbines, generating
electricity.
 KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
• After the seawall was built, pollution built up in the
newly created Sihwa Lake reservoir, making its water
useless for agriculture.
• The tidal power station is providing indirect
environmental benefits as well as renewable energy
generation
• During commissioning of the project a diffusion of
pollutants to the sea was expected. To reduce this effect a
gradual increase in power generation was implemented
as part of commissioning procedures.
• seawater was reintroduced in the hope of flushing out
contamination; inflows from the tidal barrage are
envisaged as a complementary permanent solution.
EFFECT OF THE CONSTRUCTION

• The most remarkable impact has been the

recovery of water quality and ecosystems.
Approximately 160 million tons of water flows in
and out of the floodgate and waterwheel,
accounting for about half of the total water
quantity in Sihwa Lake.
• The continuous circulation of water between the
lake and the outer sea during the power generation
process has improved the water quality.
• In 1998, the chemical oxygen level in Sihwa Lake
was 17ppm, but has since been reduced to 2ppm,
resulting in an improved habitat for all species of
fish
• This site has become a very popular site
for learning about lively ecosystems, with
over 146 bird species including stork and
mallard, and some 23 million birds living
in and around the lake.
• It is also a popular spot for leisure
activities and sports. The tidal power
station and surrounding area today attract
some 1.5 million people annually.
ANNAPOLIS TIDAL POWER PLANT
LOCATION
• Located in the Bay of Fundy and Annapolis River,
near Granville’s Ferry and Annapolis Royal, Canada.
LICENSING INFORMATION
• It was constructed by the Nova Scotia power.
• The Annapolis Tidal Generating Station generates
electricity from tidal flows in the Bay of Fundy, and
fullfills all regulatory requirements (i.e. Fisheries
Act). LOCATION

PROJECT DATA
• Nova Scotia Power started construction on Hogg Island in
1980 at the mouth of the Annapolis River as a federal and
provincial government project.
• Due to equipment failure, the plant was shut down in January
2019. 
 ABOUT ANNAPOLIS
TIDAL POWER PLANT
• Construction of the Annapolis Tidal Power Plant
began in 1980, and it opened in 1984.

• It was constructed by Nova Scotia Power, at the

time a provincial crown corporation.

• The turbine is a single 7.6 m diameter hydropower

turbine designed to generate power during discharge
from the reservoir into the sea.

• It has a capacity of 20 MW and a daily output of

roughly 80 MW hours, depending on the tides.
TURBINE MECHANISM
• A causeway on the Annapolis
River creates a reservoir which powers
a water turbine.
• Sluice gates in the causeway allow the
reservoir to be refilled by the incoming
CROSS SECTION OF
tide, and retain the water in the reservoir
ANNAPOLIS GENERATING
when the tide recedes. STATION
• Power is only generated when the tide is
out, for about five hours, twice a day.
• The unit consist of components
including gates, turbine, stator, rotor etc.

TURBINE MECHANISM
KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
• EIA (environmental impact assessment)
included release of suspended sediment,
scour in existing channels and at adjacent
shorelines, poor flood flow management,
and passage of anadromous fish through
the barrage.
• Concerns with increased basin water levels
including interference with existing
agriculture, flooding, and accelerated rates
of bank erosion.
POWER PLANT THREATS
While effectively generating electricity, the blocking of water flow by the dam
caused an increase in river bank erosion on both the upstream and downstream
ends. The dam also has the potential to trap some marine life. Two notable
cases occurred in:
• August 2004: a Humpback whale (nicknamed Sluice) swam through the open
sluice gate at slack tide, ending up trapped for several days in the upper part
of the river before eventually finding its way out to the Annapolis Basin.
• Spring 2007: When a body of an Humpback whale was discovered near the
head of tide in the river at Bridgetown. A post-mortem was inconclusive but
suggested the whale had become trapped in the river after following fish
through the sluice gates.
THANK YOU!