Advantages of Tidal Stream Turbines
How tidal stream turbines operate:
The turbine energy producing process of a tidal turbine operates on tide flow. It uses the rise and fall of tidal waters to turn the turbine which then turns the magnetic rotor against a conductive stator. The rotation of the magnets against the stator produces electrical energy. The higher the tidal range is, the more energy the plant can produce. The potential energy production from a tidal stream plant is not always continuous and can vary by season.
Tidal stream turbines work best when they are located in areas with a natural fast flowing current. A location between land masses and islands also increases the potential for the amount of power produced. The first modern working plant was built in France between 1961 and 1967. This plant produces 10,000 kilowatts of power on each of 24 power units. The first commercial plant was installed in Strangford Lough in Ireland in 2007. This plant can produce 1.2 megawatts of power.
Advantages of tidal stream turbines:
The rise and fall of tidal waters is more predictable than the amount of wind or sunlight on any given day that is required to produce wind energy and solar power. While the turbines are powerful, the generation of tidal stream power does not have any significant impact on the environment. The majority of the power station is submerged and the turbines turn slowly enough to not endanger wildlife. The placement of the station is important to the effect on the natural environment and marine life. The placement of a station in some estuaries can have a negative impact.
Tidal stream turbine plants do not depend on the creation of artificial dams that can change the normal flow of water in a system. Tidal fences are sometimes used and if placed correctly the fences can still allow for the proper migration of sea life. Larger marine life, like dolphins and seals, can be protected from the turbines by proper fence placement as well. Protection for these mammals can also be provided by the use of a sonar sensor system that is designed to shut the turbine down when triggered.
The costs of building tidal stream turbines is relatively low. These systems can also be built in stages, allowing for an increase in the number of turbines over time. Barrage turbines systems can not be built incrementally. The power produced by tidal turbines is a green energy and renewable power source.
References:
http://www.greenworldtrust.org.uk/Documents/3rd%20gen%20tidal%20turbines.pdf
Published by b l baird - Featured Contributor in Automotive
I spent many years in the electro-mechanical trades. I also worked as an electrician and did other forms of construction related work. I enjoy home repair projects and learning about how to do them. That, wi... View profile
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