Tidal Power Generation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tidal Power Generation - Term Paper Example Tidal power generation essentially utilizes the vertical movement of a rising and falling water levels during high and low tide (Rajput). This difference in water levels is then used to operate a hydraulic turbine. The turbine subsequently generates power. A basic tidal power plant consists of three essential components; the dam or dyke, the sluice ways that run from the basin to sea and the power house. Each component has an essential purpose. The function of the dam or dyke is to serve as a barrier between the basin and the sea. While the sluice ways are controlled to fill or empty the basin during high or low tide. Lastly, the powerhouse contains the operational equipment for power generation. These include turbines, electric generators and other auxiliary equipment. The current technology employed to generate power through tidal power systems is divided into three major domains (Ehrlich). These domains make use of different energy characteristics of tidal waves such as their potential energy, kinetic energy, or a combination of both kinetic and potential energies. In accordance with these energy characteristics the three significant tidal power generation systems are the tidal barrage, the tidal stream generator and the dynamic tidal power generation system. The tidal barrage power generation system is a more conventional means of generating power through tidal waves (Breeze). The tidal barrage power generation system utilizes the potential energy of tidal waves. This potential energy arises from the vertical rise and fall of tidal waves. This particular system stores potential energy by allowing high tide water to be stored behind a dam or dyke in a basin. The basin serves as a reservoir. The sea and basin are connected by means of sluice ways with turbines. During high tide the water from the sea enters the basin where it is temporarily