Tidal Power

1. Tidal Power

2. The Theory Behind Tidal Energy • Tidal waves are influenced by a combination of lunar gravitational pull and changes in weather patterns. • This is why waves tend to be higher at night; the moon is intricately involved in the tidal movements. • The force and directional movements of tides are harnessed through hydroelectric pumps, which use existing electrical grids to power consumer appliances such as lights, outlets, and possibly electrically powered vehicles.

3. The Cost of Tidal Power • The exact cost to construct tidal energy convertors is difficult to estimate. • There are many of factors to keep in mind, such as: • Location, size of waves, distance to consumers, and the size of the work force. • Technology for tidal energy is well developed, however it is not used as much as it could be. This is because it can take up to 10 years to construct a fully operational tidal power plant.

4. Current U.S. Investment in Tidal and Hydroelectric Power • Currently, there are no ocean based tidal power plants in the USA. • The United States Departments of Energy and Interior announce $26.6 million in funding to develop advanced hydropower technologies. • Hydroelectric technologies make up 7.1% of the technologies in America and 19% of global technologies used for electricity. • There are currently over 850 hydroelectric plants in the United States • The U.S. should invest more in hydroelectric power because there are many powerful rivers in the nation, such as the Mississippi and Colorado rivers. • Also the U.S. has a lot of coastline, (Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific, and Alaskan coasts) to use for hydroelectric and tidal power. • U.S. has the technology in place that would make tidal power very profitable.

5. Hydroelectric Plants • Dams are used to create a continuous flow of water. • The water passes through turbines to generate electrical energy from the kinetic energy of the water. • This electrical energy is then transferred to consumers through power lines.

6. The Mechanical Sea Snake • The module exploits both horizontal and vertical motion. • This motion caused by waves forces pistons that power a hydraulic motor. • The pistons also push a biodegradable fluid through accumulators, smoothing the flow and turning of the hydraulic motors. • The motors are driving generators that are creating electricity.

7. Tidal Plants in New York • Currently there no ocean based tidal plants in use in New York, however the production of a plant is underway in New York City • A 10-year contract for the plant, called the Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy (RITE) Project, was recently signed. • By the end of the year, 5 turbines should be installed in the East River. • The license for these plants is a pilot license, so the environmental effects and “commercial feasibility” of the project can be demonstrated. • 30 generators should be installed by 2015. • At the conclusion of the project, the plant should be supplying power to about ten thousand New Yorkers • This will be the first grid-connected system of tidal turbines • There are 9 fully-operational hydroelectric power plants in New York • New York should invest more in hydroelectric power because the Hudson and Mohawk rivers have much potential for hydroelectric power. • There is also a long coastline along Long Island that can use tidal power converters

8. Advantages of Tidal Power • It is very cheap to maintain. • There is little to no waste or pollution. • It is very reliable. • Tide patterns are predictable. • The barrage can help reduce the damage of very high tidal surges or storms on the land. • Tidal power plants create more jobs.

9. Disadvantages of Tidal Power • It changes the coastline completely. • The estuaries may become flooded so that any mud flats or habitats that birds or animals live on are destroyed. • The initial building cost is very expensive • Water is not replenished, it cannot flow away so any dirt or pollution lingers near the coastmuch longer. • Silt builds up behind the barrage. • The plants disrupt creatures’ migrations in the oceans. • A large area is needed from the ocean for the plant to be cost effective. • Not many sites are suitable for this kind of power generation, or for building the barrage. • It only produces power for about 10 hours of the day • Taxes might go updue to public works on maintaining the plants.

10. Works cited "Verdant Power." Verdant Power. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2012. <http://verdantpower.com/what-initiative/>. Dailey, Jessica. "Verdant Power Awarded License For East River Tidal Energy Project | Inhabitat New York City." Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. <http://inhabitat.com/nyc/verdant-power- awarded- license-for-east-river-tidal-energy-project/>. "Pelamis Wave Energy Converter to Electricity." Changing Ideas consulting Brian Nelson. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2012. <http://www.changingideas.com/Pelamis-Wave- Energy-Converter/Electricity.html>.