MODULE 4

Tidal power
Tidal power is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the energy of tidal movements caused by the
gravitational interaction between the Earth, Moon, and Sun to generate electricity.

How It Works:

1. Tidal Range Systems (Tidal Barrages): A dam-like structure is built across an estuary or tidal basin. As
tides rise and fall, water flows through turbines in the barrage, generating electricity.
2. Tidal Stream Systems: Underwater turbines are placed in fast-moving tidal currents. The movement of
water spins the turbines, producing energy similar to wind turbines.
3. Dynamic Tidal Power (DTP): A relatively experimental concept. Long dams extending into the sea
capture kinetic energy from tidal flows.
4. Tidal Lagoons: Artificially created, enclosed bodies of water that capture and release tidal flows through
turbines.

Advantages:

 Predictability: Unlike wind or solar power, tidal movements are highly predictable.
 Renewable and Sustainable: It relies on the gravitational effects of celestial bodies, a virtually
inexhaustible source.
 Low Carbon Footprint: Minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.

Tides and waves as energy suppliers and their mechanics:

Tides as Energy Suppliers

Tides are periodic rises and falls of ocean water levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun, as
well as the Earth's rotation. They are predictable and occur in cycles (high tide and low tide), making them a
reliable source of renewable energy.

Mechanics of Tidal Energy

1. Gravitational Forces: The Moon's gravitational pull creates tidal bulges on Earth, leading to high tides.
The Sun's gravity also influences tides, especially during full and new moons (spring tides).
2. Tidal Energy Conversion: The movement of large volumes of water during tidal flows contains significant
kinetic and potential energy. This energy is captured using technologies like tidal barrages (dams), tidal
stream turbines, and tidal lagoons.
Waves as Energy Suppliers

Waves are formed by the transfer of wind energy to the surface of water. This happens when the wind blows
consistently over large stretches of ocean, creating undulating wave patterns. Waves store a significant amount
of kinetic and potential energy due to their motion and height.

Mechanics of Wave Energy

1. Wind Energy Transfer: Wind exerts pressure on the surface of the ocean, transferring energy into wave
motion. The size and energy of waves depend on wind speed, duration, and the distance over which the
wind blows (fetch).
2. Wave Energy Conversion: Devices like point absorbers, oscillating water columns, and wave energy
converters (e.g., Pelamis wave power) capture wave energy. These devices either use the up-and-down
motion of waves or the pressure variations under water to generate electricity.

Comparison of Tides and Waves as Energy Suppliers

Aspect Tides Waves

Source Gravitational pull of Moon and Sun Wind energy transferring to ocean surface

Predictability Highly predictable Less predictable, depends on weather

Energy Potential Site-specific (requires high tidal range) Global potential where waves are strong

Technology Barrages, turbines, lagoons Point absorbers, oscillating columns

Fundamental characteristics of tidal power:

1. Renewable and Sustainable: Tidal power is a renewable energy source derived from the natural and
predictable movement of tides caused by gravitational forces between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. As long as
these celestial interactions continue, tidal power remains sustainable.

2. Predictability: Unlike solar or wind energy, tides follow a fixed and predictable schedule. This makes tidal
power highly reliable for energy production, as the timing and magnitude of tidal flows can be forecasted
decades in advance.

3. High Energy Density: Water is about 800 times denser than air, which means tidal currents can produce more
energy compared to wind currents of the same speed. This high energy density makes tidal power an efficient
renewable energy source.

4. Site-Specific: Tidal power generation depends on geographic conditions, particularly areas with high tidal
ranges (difference between high and low tide) or strong tidal currents. Coastal regions with estuaries, narrow
bays, or inlets are prime locations.
5. Two Forms of Energy Capture

 Kinetic Energy: From the horizontal movement of water (tidal currents).

 Potential Energy: From the vertical difference in water levels (tidal range).

6. Long Operational Lifespan: Tidal power infrastructure, such as tidal barrages or underwater turbines, is
robust and can last several decades with proper maintenance, offering long-term energy generation.

7. Low Carbon Footprint: Once constructed, tidal power systems produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions,
contributing to a clean energy transition.

8. Environmental and Ecosystem Impact: While tidal power is a clean energy source, its impact on marine
ecosystems, sediment transport, and local hydrodynamics must be carefully managed.

Harnessing Tidal Energy

1. Single-Basin Arrangement
The single-basin arrangement is one of the most common methods used in tidal barrage systems to
generate electricity. It utilizes a tidal basin and a dam-like structure to harness the potential energy of
water during tidal movements.
The single-basin arrangement operates using either of the following modes:

1. Ebb Generation Mode (Most Common): During high tide, the sluice gates in the barrage are closed,
trapping water in the basin. When the tide outside the basin recedes to a lower level, the water in the
basin is released through turbines, generating electricity as it flows out.
2. Flood Generation Mode: During low tide, the sluice gates remain closed to prevent water from
entering the basin. As the tide rises outside, water is allowed to flow into the basin through turbines,
generating electricity.

2. Double-Basin Arrangement

The double-basin arrangement is an alternative method used in tidal power generation, involving two distinct
basins (or reservoirs) to maximize energy production from tidal movements. This system is designed to increase
the efficiency of energy extraction by harnessing both high tide and low tide water levels.

The double-basin system consists of two separate basins: one within the tidal area (often near the shore) and
another positioned farther out. These two basins are connected by sluices (gates) and turbines.

1. Flood Cycle (Water Flow from Outer Basin to Inner Basin): During the rising tide, water from the outer
basin (typically the ocean side) is allowed to flow into the inner basin. As water enters the inner basin,
turbines are used to generate electricity from the flow.
2. Ebb Cycle (Water Flow from Inner Basin to Outer Basin): During the falling tide, water from the inner
basin is allowed to flow back into the outer basin. The flow of water through turbines generates
additional electricity.

This continuous ebb and flood cycle helps maintain energy production across both tidal movements, unlike a
single-basin arrangement, which only generates power during one direction of tidal flow.
Comparison to Single and Double Basin Systems:

Aspect Single-Basin Double-Basin

Generates energy primarily during ebb Generates energy during both ebb and
Energy Output
or flood flood
Construction More complex, requires two basins and
Simpler, single basin and barrage
Complexity connections
Can disrupt local ecosystems
Environmental Impact Potentially more even impact distribution
significantly
Energy Efficiency Less efficient in low tidal ranges More efficient, harnesses both tidal flows

Advantages

1. Renewable, inexhaustible source of energy

2. Highly predictable and reliable

3. High energy density (efficiency)

4. Low operational and maintenance costs

5. Long operational lifespan

6. Low carbon emissions

Limitations

1. High initial capital cost

2. Environmental impact (marine ecosystems,

sediment)

3. Location-specific (limited to coastal areas)

4. Intermittent energy generation

5. Potential disruptions to navigation

6. Maintenance is required.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a process that uses the temperature difference between warm
surface water and cold deep ocean water to generate electricity. This temperature gradient is used as the
driving force for a heat engine, making OTEC a renewable energy technology that harnesses the sun’s heat
stored in the ocean.

OTEC operates on the principle of using the temperature difference between the warm surface water (about
20–30°C or 68–86°F) and the cold deep ocean water (about 4–6°C or 39–43°F) to drive a heat engine. The
system works similarly to a refrigeration cycle but in reverse. Here's how the process works:

1. Warm Surface Water: Warm ocean water from the surface is pumped into a heat exchanger. This warm
water is used to vaporize a working fluid with a low boiling point (such as ammonia).
2. Vaporization and Power Generation: The working fluid is vaporized due to the heat from the warm
surface water. The resulting vapor drives a turbine, which is connected to a generator, producing
electricity.
3. Cold Deep Water: After the working fluid is vaporized, it is passed through a second heat exchanger,
where it is cooled by cold deep ocean water (pumped up from depths of about 1,000 meters or more).
This cooling process condenses the working fluid back into a liquid, which is then recirculated to the
evaporator to continue the cycle.
4. Energy Production: This cycle of vaporization, turbine operation, and condensation is repeated to
continuously generate electricity.

Applications of OTEC:

1. Electricity Generation: OTEC is primarily used for generating electricity in regions near the tropics,
particularly in island nations or coastal communities with access to the necessary ocean conditions.
2. Desalination: Open-cycle OTEC systems can produce fresh water as a byproduct, making it suitable for
areas with limited freshwater resources.
3. Aquaculture: OTEC-generated electricity can be used to power systems for fish farming and other forms
of aquaculture.
4. Air Conditioning: Some OTEC systems can be used to provide cooling for coastal areas, utilizing cold
deep ocean water to cool air or buildings.

Advantages Limitations
Renewable, sustainable energy source High initial infrastructure costs
Predictable and consistent energy output Limited to tropical regions
Low environmental impact Low energy efficiency
Freshwater production (open-cycle only) Potential marine ecosystem disruptions
Provides energy for coastal communities Technological and maintenance challenges
 Types of OTEC Systems:
1. Closed-Cycle OTEC: In this system, the working fluid is kept in a closed loop. The warm surface water
vaporizes the working fluid, and the vapor drives a turbine to generate power. The cold deep water is
used to cool and condense the vapor back into a liquid.

Example Working Fluid: Ammonia, propane, Freon (or other low-boiling fluids).

2. Open-Cycle OTEC: This system directly uses the warm surface seawater. The warm seawater is
evaporated in a vacuum to produce steam. The steam then drives a turbine connected to a generator.
Afterward, the steam is condensed using cold deep ocean water.

Can also produce fresh water as a by-product through the condensation process (desalination).

3. Hybrid OTEC: Combines both closed and open-cycle systems to enhance efficiency. It uses the open
cycle to produce power and the closed cycle for additional efficiency and cooling.

The ocean and seas constitute about 70% of the earth’s surface area and hence they represent a large storage
reservoir of the solar energy. In tropical waters, the surface water temperature is about 27°C and at 1 km directly
below, the temperature is about 4°C. The reservoir of surface water may be considered a heat source and the
reservoir of cold water (1 km below) is considered a heat sink. The concept of ocean thermal energy conversion
is based on the utilization of temperature difference between the heat source and the sink in a heat engine to
generate power.

The temperature gradient present in the ocean is utilized in a heat engine to generate power. This is called
OTEC. Since the temperature gradient is very small, even in the tropical region, OTEC systems have very low
efficiencies and very high capital costs. There are two basic designs for OTEC systems.

1. Closed OTEC cycle or Anderson cycle or Rankine cycle

Here, a separate working fluid such as ammonia, propane or Freon is used in addition to water. The warm
surface water is pumped to a boiler by a pump. This warm water gives up its heat to the secondary working fluid
thereby losing its energy and is discharged back to the surface of the ocean. The vapors of the secondary working
fluid generated in the boiler, drive a turbine generating power. The exhaust from the turbine is cooled in a surface
condenser by using cold deep seawater, and is then circulated back to the boiler by a pump.
 2. Open-Cycle OTEC:

In this cycle, the seawater plays a multiple role of a heat source, working fluid, coolant and heat sink. Warm
surface water enters an evaporator where the water is flash evaporated to steam under particle vacuum. Low
pressure is maintained in the evaporator by a vacuum pump. The low pressure so maintained removes the non-
condensable gases from the evaporator. The steam and water mixture from evaporator then enters a turbine,
driving it thus generating electricity. The exhaust from the turbine is mixed with cold water from Deep Ocean in
a direct contact condenser and is discharged to the ocean. The cycle is then repeated. Since the condensate is
discharged to the ocean, the cycle is called open.

Flash evaporation: In the evaporator the pressure is maintained at a value (0.0317 bar) slightly lower than the
saturation pressure of warm surface water at 27°C (0.0356 bar). Hence, when the surface water enters the
evaporator, it gets ‘superheated’ This Super-heated water undergoes ‚volume boiling‛ causing the water to
partially flash to steam.

NOTE (Key points):

1. Evaporator (Heat Exchanger): Transfers heat from warm seawater to the working fluid, causing it to vaporize.
2. Turbine: Driven by the vaporized working fluid to generate mechanical power.
3. Condenser (Heat Exchanger): Cools the vaporized working fluid using cold deep seawater, causing it to condense
back into a liquid.
4. Pump: Used to circulate both the warm and cold seawater and the working fluid through the system.
5. Generator: Converts mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical power.

Working Principle:

1. Warm surface seawater is used to vaporize a low-boiling working fluid.

2. The vaporized fluid drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.
3. The vapor is then cooled and condensed using cold deep ocean water.
4. The cycle is repeated, continuously generating electricity as long as the temperature differential exists.
OTEC Power Stations around the World
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is still in the early stages of large-scale commercial
development, but several pilot projects and demonstration plants have been established to explore the
feasibility and potential of this technology. Here are some notable OTEC power stations and projects around
the world.

Project Location Capacity Status

Hawaii OTEC Demonstration Project Hawaii, USA 50 kW Operational

Nauru OTEC Project Nauru, Pacific Islands 100 kW Demonstration

Kumejima OTEC Power Station Okinawa, Japan 1 MW Operational

La Réunion OTEC La Réunion, French Territory 16 kW Operational

NIOT OTEC Plant Chennai, India 1 kW Operational

Philippine OTEC Pilot Plant Mindanao, Philippines 1 MW Planned

Okinawa OTEC Okinawa, Japan 1 MW Development

Problems Associated with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

While Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) has significant potential as a renewable energy source,
there are several technical, environmental, and economic challenges that need to be addressed for the
technology to become widely viable. Below are the key problems associated with OTEC:

Sl no Problem Description

1 Expensive infrastructure and technology required to build

High Initial Costs
OTEC systems.

2 OTEC has a low energy conversion efficiency compared to

Low Energy Efficiency
other energy sources.

3 Potential disruption of marine ecosystems and thermal

Environmental Concerns
pollution.
Sl no Problem Description

4
Technical and Harsh offshore conditions and difficult maintenance of
Maintenance Challenges underwater systems.

5 Effective only in tropical regions with the right temperature

Location-Specific Nature
gradient.

6 Slow return on investment due to high costs and low

Long Payback Period
efficiency.

7 Challenges in scaling up OTEC systems to meet large energy

Scalability Issues
demands.

8 Competition with Other OTEC faces competition from cheaper, more efficient
Renewables renewable energy sources.

9 Limited Technological OTEC is still in the early stages of development and lacks
Maturity commercial viability.

10 Risks from Climate Potential changes in ocean temperatures and currents

Change could affect OTEC efficiency.