Non-Conventional Energy

Resources

BME755D
Module - 4

Mahanthesh G
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
KIT- Tiptur
Wind Energy: Properties of wind, availability of wind energy in India, wind
velocity and power from wind; major problems associated with wind power, wind
machines; Types of wind machines and their characteristics, horizontal and
vertical axis windmills, elementary design principles; coefficient of performance
of a windmill rotor, aerodynamic considerations of windmill design, numerical
examples.

Tidal Power: Tides and waves as energy suppliers and their mechanics;
fundamental characteristics of tidal power, harnessing tidal energy, limitations.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: Principle of working, Rankine cycle,

OTEC power stations in the world, problems associated with OTEC.
Wind Energy
Properties of wind
 The main properties of wind are its speed and direction, which together define its velocity.
 Wind also has density and temperature.
 Because wind is composed of matter, it exerts force, causing objects to move and creating sound
through friction.
 Other characteristics include its variability, shear, and turbulence.

Key Properties of Wind

•Speed: The rate at which air moves. This is often measured in kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).

•Direction: The direction from which the wind is blowing, typically specified by a compass point (e.g., a "westerly"
wind blows from the west).

•Velocity: A combination of speed and direction, as wind is a vector quantity.

•Density: The mass of air in a given volume, which can vary.

•Temperature: The warmth or coolness of the air.

•Force: The pressure exerted on surfaces due to the movement of air, which is why you can feel wind.

•Sound: Wind creates sound through the friction it generates as it moves past objects.

•Turbulence: Irregular and chaotic movements within the air flow.

•Wind Shear: Changes in wind speed or direction over a short distance, which can be vertical or horizontal.
Availability of wind energy in India
Availability of wind energy in India
In mid-to-late 2025, India's wind energy availability is strong, with a total installed capacity exceeding 51 GW, placing it
among the top countries globally in wind power. Over 54 GW of projects were under implementation by August 2025,
demonstrating ongoing significant growth in the sector. Key drivers for this availability include supportive government
policies, a growing domestic manufacturing base for turbines, and a young workforce, according to Jirel.

Key Indicators
Installed Capacity: As of mid-2025, India's cumulative wind energy capacity surpassed 51 GW, with reports indicating it
reached 52.68 GW by August 2025.

•Growth & Implementation: The first half of 2025 saw substantial wind capacity additions, with over 540 MW added in
August 2025 alone, and a significant pipeline of projects under implementation to continue this expansion.

•Contribution: Wind power is a significant component of India's renewable energy mix, contributing to the country's
overall power generation.

Factors Driving Availability

•Government Support: Initiatives by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) are crucial for enhancing
wind energy infrastructure.

•Domestic Manufacturing: India boasts a substantial wind turbine manufacturing capacity, though components like
blades are a concern, necessitating imports.

•Resource Availability: The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has estimated India's wind potential to be over
1,164 GW at 150 meters, indicating significant untapped resources.

•State-Level Policies: Wind-friendly states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are leading the charge in installed capacity,
further boosting national availability.
 Wind Velocity and Power from wind
Wind power is directly proportional to the cube of the wind's velocity (v³), following the
formula
P = ½ * ρ * A * v³,
where
ρ is air density and A is the swept area of the turbine blades.

Wind velocity is the most significant factor, as doubling the speed can increase the available
power eightfold.

However, turbines operate within specific cut-in (start) and cut-out (shutdown) speeds to
prevent damage from excessive wind.

Factors influencing wind power

Wind Velocity (v): This is the most crucial factor, as power increases dramatically with
higher wind speeds.

Air Density (ρ): Denser air (e.g., in cooler, lower-altitude conditions) contains more energy,
leading to greater power output.

Swept Area (A): The larger the area of the circle traced by the rotating turbine blades, the
more wind they can capture, and thus the more power can be generated.
The Wind Power Equation
The theoretical power available from the wind can be expressed as:
P = ½ * ρ * A * v³
Where:
P: is the power in Watts.
ρ: (rho) is the density of the air in kg/m³.
A: is the swept area of the turbine blades in m².
v: is the velocity of the wind in m/s.

The impact of wind velocity cubed

•Because velocity is cubed (v³), even small increases in wind speed lead to substantial
increases in available power.
•For example, an 8x increase in power is observed when wind speed doubles.
Wind turbine operational constraints

Cut-in speed:
The minimum wind speed (typically 3-4 m/s) at which a turbine begins to generate power.

Cut-out speed:
The maximum wind speed (around 25 m/s) at which the turbine shuts down to prevent
mechanical damage.
Major Problems Associated with Wind Power
 Major Problems Associated with Wind Power
Major problems with wind power include its intermittent nature (wind doesn't blow constantly), potential negative impacts
on wildlife (birds and bats) and the environment (noise, visual pollution), significant upfront costs and land requirements,
challenges in integrating it into existing electricity grids, and the difficulty of recycling turbine components.

Environmental Impacts
•Wildlife Harm: Wind turbine blades can injure or kill birds and bats, and research is ongoing to develop solutions to
reduce these collisions.
•Noise and Visual Pollution: The spinning blades and mechanical components of turbines produce noise, and the large
structures can be considered visually disruptive by some communities.
•Land Use: Wind farms require significant land for turbines and service roads, which can impact the physical environment
and be challenging to acquire.
•Manufacturing & Disposal: The production of turbine components can involve environmental impacts, and the disposal
of large turbine blades is a significant challenge, as they are difficult to recycle.

Technical and Grid Challenges

•Intermittency: Wind power is unreliable because it only generates electricity when the wind is blowing, leading to a need
for energy storage or backup power.
•Grid Integration: Connecting large-scale wind power to the existing electricity grid can be difficult due to insufficient
grid capacity and the need to manage grid frequency and stability.
•Maintenance: Turbines require ongoing maintenance, which can be costly and complex to manage effectively.
Economic and Social Issues
•High Costs: There are high initial capital expenditures for the procurement, installation, and grid connection of wind
energy projects.
•Land Acquisition: Acquiring suitable land for wind farms can be challenging, especially in densely populated areas.
•Community Opposition: Local communities may oppose wind farms due to concerns about noise, visual impact, and
potential effects on local property values.
Wind Machines

Wind machines can refer to both large-scale wind turbines used for energy
generation and smaller, specialized equipment used for frost protection in
agriculture. The function of the machine determines its design and operation.

Wind machines are categorized as horizontal-axis (HAWTs) or vertical-axis

(VAWTs) based on their rotor's axis of rotation.

HAWTs are more efficient and common in large wind farms, featuring blades on a
horizontal axis that must face the wind.

VAWTs rotate around a vertical axis, are omnidirectional, and are often used in
urban or small-scale applications with variable wind.
Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs)
•Characteristics:
•Orientation: The axis of rotation is parallel to the ground, resembling airplane propellers.
•Efficiency: More efficient at converting wind energy to electricity, making them suitable for large-scale power
generation.
•Components: They require a yaw mechanism to orient the rotor into the wind, and a tall tower to access
stronger winds.
•Operation: They work by the aerodynamic lift created as wind flows over the airfoil-shaped blades.

Advantages: Higher energy output, can control blade pitch for protection and power management, and are self-
starting.

Applications: Commonly used in large wind farms and offshore installations.

Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs)
•Characteristics:
•Orientation: Blades rotate around a vertical axis, making them visually distinct from HAWTs.
•Omnidirectional: Can capture wind from any direction without needing to be pointed into the wind.
•Maintenance: Key components like the generator are often located at the base, simplifying maintenance.
•Operation: They may not be self-starting and can require a starting mechanism.

Advantages: Work well in turbulent wind conditions and are suitable for urban and residential settings
where space or aesthetics are a concern.

Applications: Smaller-scale operations in urban areas and residential use.

Elementary Design Principles
Elementary Design Principles Of Horizontal Axis Windmills

Elementary design principles for horizontal axis windmills (HAWTs) involve designing
blades as airfoils that generate lift to create rotation, aligning the rotor to face the wind using
a yaw system for optimal energy capture, and controlling blade pitch to regulate speed and
power.

Key components include the tower, nacelle, rotor (blades and hub), gearbox, and generator,
all contributing to efficiently converting wind energy into electricity.
I. Aerodynamic Design (Blades)

Airfoil Shape: Blades are shaped like airplane wings to create an airfoil, which
generates lift as wind flows over its surface.

Lift and Torque: This pressure difference produces lift, which creates a driving
torque that rotates the blades around the central axis.

Blade Number: Typically 1-3 blades are used, with three blades offering a balance
between efficiency, cost, and rotational speed.

Pitch Control: A pitch system adjusts the angle of the blades, controlling their angle
of attack to manage rotational speed and the turbine's power output.
II. Wind-Facing and Orientation (Yaw System)

Rotor Alignment: The HAWT must be oriented directly into the wind to maximize energy
capture.

Yaw Mechanism: A yaw system, controlled by wind sensors, rotates the nacelle and rotor
to keep them aligned with the wind's direction.
III. Structural Components and Energy Conversion

Foundation: Provides support for the heavy tower.

Tower: A tall structure supporting the nacelle and rotor, which is positioned at a height to
access higher, more consistent wind speeds.

Nacelle: The housing for the generator, gearbox, controller, and shafts that convert
mechanical energy to electrical energy.

Hub: Connects the blades to the rotor's central shaft.

Generator: Converts the mechanical energy from the rotating shaft into electrical energy.

IV. Control and Efficiency Principles

Power Output: Power generation is directly related to wind speed.

Betz Limit: Wind turbines are designed to extract a significant portion of the wind's kinetic
energy, though they cannot capture 100% of it.

Blade Element Momentum Theory: This theory is used in blade design to optimize the
balance between pitch and chord length for maximum efficiency.
Typical offshore wind turbine foundations: (a) gravity bases foundation, (b) monopile,
(c) jacket foundation, (d) tripile/tripod foundation, (e) multi-caisson foundation and (f)
floating OWT with a system of anchors.
Typical onshore wind turbine foundations
Elementary Design Principles Vertical Axis Windmills
Elementary design principles for vertical axis windmills (VAWTs)
include designing for omnidirectionality, which eliminates the need for
wind-sensing mechanisms, and placing key components at the base for
easier maintenance and accessibility.

Blade design is crucial, with types like Savonius (drag-based) and Darrieus
(lift-based) offering different operating characteristics.

Principles also involve efficient torque generation through blade pitch

control or helical blade shapes for consistent power and selecting materials
and structures that can withstand fatigue and turbulence, especially for
smaller-scale applications.
1. Omnidirectionality & Base-Mounted Components

Omnidirectionality: A primary principle is that VAWTs can capture wind from any
direction without needing to be pointed into the wind. This simplifies the design by
removing the need for complex wind-sensing and orientation (yaw) systems.

Base-Mounted Components: Unlike horizontal axis turbines, VAWTs have their

main components, including the generator and gearbox, located at the base of the
turbine. This design facilitates easier installation, lower maintenance costs, and
improved safety.
2. Blade Design & Aerodynamics

•Drag-Based (Savonius): These VAWTs use drag forces to rotate. The blades create varying
levels of drag when the wind flows over them, causing rotation around the vertical axis.
•Lift-Based (Darrieus): These designs are more complex but can achieve higher
efficiencies. They rely on lift forces to create rotation and are often described as an "egg-
beater" shape.
•Blade Angle of Attack (Pitch Control): The angle at which the blades meet the wind (the
angle of attack) can be adjusted. Controlling this pitch is a key design principle to optimize
power output, increase efficiency, and reduce torque variation by preventing blade stall.
3. Torque Generation & Power Output

•Consistent Torque: Some VAWT designs, like those with helical blades, are engineered to
produce a more constant and steady torque, leading to more consistent power output.
•Power Coefficient (Cp): The Betz Limit is a theoretical maximum efficiency of 59.3% for
any wind turbine, and designers strive to maximize the VAWT's power coefficient (Cp) to
capture as much wind energy as possible.

4. Structural & Material Considerations

•Fatigue & Vibration: VAWTs can be prone to vibration. Using advanced materials like
composite fiberglass or carbon fiber and sophisticated analysis tools helps reduce fatigue and
other issues.
•Compact & Quiet Operation: Due to their design, VAWTs are often more compact and
operate at lower speeds, which results in lower noise levels compared to horizontal axis
turbines, making them suitable for urban and residential environments.
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE OF A WINDMILL ROTOR

The coefficient of performance (Cp), or power coefficient, of a windmill rotor is the ratio of
the actual power extracted by the rotor to the total power available in the wind, with the
theoretical maximum, the Betz limit, being approximately 59.3%.

In real-world conditions, modern large wind turbines typically achieve peak Cp values of 45–
50%, capturing 75–85% of this theoretical limit, which is influenced by factors like wind
speed, blade design, and rotational speed.

Understanding the Coefficient of Performance (Cp)

•Definition: Cp is a key parameter that measures how effectively a wind turbine's rotor
converts the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy.0
Factors Influencing Cp
Betz Limit: This fundamental physical limit states that no wind turbine can capture more
than 59.3% of the wind's kinetic energy, regardless of the design.

Wind Turbine Design: Real-world turbines have a finite number of blades and
experience drag, which reduces their efficiency below the Betz limit.

•Operational Parameters:
•Wind Speed: The Cp of a wind turbine varies significantly with wind speed.
•Tip Speed Ratio (TSR): This is the ratio of the speed of the blade tips to the wind
speed, and it significantly impacts the power coefficient.
•Blade Angle/Pitch: Turbines pitch their blades at high wind speeds to reduce Cp,
protecting the turbine from damage.

Other Factors: Air density, turbulence intensity, and the geometry of the blades also
influence Cp.
 AERODYNAMIC CONSIDERATIONS OF
WINDMILL DESIGN
Aerodynamic considerations for windmill (wind turbine) design focus
on maximizing energy capture and ensuring structural integrity by optimizing blade
shape, twist, number, and rotational speed, while managing aerodynamic forces and
power regulation through methods like pitch control. Key factors include the airfoil
shape, maintaining a high lift-to-drag ratio, and accounting for changing wind
conditions and the resulting forces on the blades
.
Blade Design & Shape
•Airfoil Shape: Blades use specialized airfoil cross-sections, similar to airplane
wings, designed to produce maximum lift and a high lift-to-drag ratio for efficient
energy generation.
•Blade Twist: Blades are twisted along their length because the apparent wind
angle changes as the blade moves further from the hub, requiring a twist to maintain
an optimal angle of attack.
•Blade Dimensions: The chord length (width) and overall dimensions are
optimized to balance aerodynamic performance with structural strength and
material costs.
Performance & Control
Lift and Drag: The primary goal is to maximize the aerodynamic lift force, which creates
torque to turn the rotor, while minimizing drag.

Power Regulation: In high winds, power output must be reduced to prevent generator
overloading. This is achieved through:

Pitch Control: The blades are rotated to "feather" into or away from the wind to shed load
and reduce power.

Stall Control: Blades are designed to intentionally increase drag by "stalling" at high wind
speeds, thereby regulating power.

Blade Number: Most electricity-generating wind turbines use three blades, as increasing the
number beyond this provides diminishing aerodynamic gains while increasing cost and
stiffness.

Operating Conditions
Rotational Speed: The turbine's rotational speed is optimized; tip speeds are often 7-10
times the wind speed.

Wind Variations: The design must account for variations in wind velocity, including gusts
and varying turbulence levels, to ensure stable and efficient operation across different wind
conditions.
 TIDAL POWER:
Tidal Power: Tides and waves as energy suppliers and their mechanics; fundamental
characteristics of tidal power, harnessing tidal energy, limitations.
Introduction

Oceans are vast sources of renewable energy.

The immense and continuous movement of ocean water offers a powerful and sustainable
source of energy. Technologies such as tidal energy and wave energy harness the natural
motion of the sea to generate electricity.

Tidal energy utilizes the rise and fall of sea levels caused by gravitational interactions
between the Earth, moon, and sun. Because tides are predictable, this energy source
provides a reliable supply of power.

Wave energy, on the other hand, captures the kinetic energy of surface waves produced
by wind. It has significant potential in coastal regions where wave activity is strong and
consistent.

Both tidal and wave energy systems are environmentally friendly, producing minimal
greenhouse gas emissions and having less impact on ecosystems compared to fossil fuels.
As technology advances, ocean-based energy could play a vital role in the transition to a
cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
What Are Tides and Waves?
Tides:
Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels that occur due to the gravitational pull
exerted by the moon and the sun on Earth’s oceans. These movements happen in
predictable cycles, typically twice each day, creating high and low tides. Because their
timing and intensity can be accurately forecasted, tidal movements are a dependable source
of renewable energy. Special underwater turbines placed in tidal streams or estuaries can
capture this movement and convert it into electricity.
Waves:
Waves are created when wind blows across the surface of the ocean, transferring
energy to the water. The stronger and more consistent the wind, the larger the waves
become. This constant motion stores a significant amount of kinetic energy that can be
harnessed using floating devices or oscillating water columns to produce clean,
sustainable power.
Mechanics of Tidal Energy
Tidal energy is generated by harnessing the natural movements of ocean tides, which contain
both potential and kinetic energy.

Potential Energy:

When tides rise and fall, they create a height difference between high and low water levels.
This difference stores potential energy, which can be captured using structures like tidal
barrages. A tidal barrage works much like a dam—it holds back water during high tide and
releases it through turbines as the tide lowers, generating electricity from the flowing water.

Kinetic Energy:

As tidal currents flow in and out of coastal areas or through narrow channels, they contain
significant kinetic energy due to their movement. Tidal stream turbines, which function
similarly to underwater wind turbines, capture this kinetic energy by converting the motion of
the water directly into electrical power.

Dynamic Tidal Power (DTP):

This is an innovative concept that combines both the flow of tidal currents and the elevation
differences created by tides. Long dams or barriers extending from the coast interact with
tidal waves to generate power continuously, even without large tidal ranges.
Mechanics of Wave Energy

Waves are a powerful source of renewable energy, formed by the transfer of wind energy to the
ocean’s surface. As wind blows across the sea, it creates ripples that grow into waves, storing vast
amounts of kinetic and potential energy. This constant motion can be harnessed to produce clean,
sustainable electricity.
How Wave Energy Works:

Wave energy systems are designed to capture the up-and-down (vertical) or back-and-forth
(oscillating) motion of water and convert it into electrical power. Several types of devices are
used for this purpose:

Point Absorbers:

These floating structures absorb energy from all directions through their vertical motion as
waves pass. The movement drives mechanical systems or hydraulic pumps that generate
electricity.

Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs):

These devices are partially submerged chambers where rising and falling waves push air in
and out through a turbine. The airflow spins the turbine, producing electrical energy.

Attenuators:
Long, floating structures aligned parallel to the direction of the waves. As waves move along
them, the segments flex and bend, and this mechanical motion is converted into power
through hydraulic systems.
Fundamental Characteristics of Tidal Power

Tidal power combines predictable generation, high energy density, long-term

durability, and low land impact, making it one of the most promising forms of renewable
energy for sustainable coastal development. Although the initial infrastructure costs can be
high, the reliability and longevity of tidal systems make them an attractive component of a
diversified renewable energy portfolio.
1. Predictability
One of the most significant advantages of tidal power is its high predictability. Unlike
wind or solar energy—which depend on variable weather conditions—tidal movements are
governed by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun, as well as the rotation of
the Earth. These celestial mechanics are well understood, allowing scientists to forecast
tidal patterns years or even decades in advance with remarkable accuracy. This reliability
enables power grid operators to plan energy production and distribution more effectively,
improving grid stability.

2. Energy Density
Tidal energy benefits from the high density of seawater, which is approximately 800 times
denser than air. This means that even relatively slow-moving tidal currents can generate
substantial amounts of power compared to wind of the same speed. As a result, tidal
turbines can produce more energy per unit area than wind turbines, making tidal systems
especially effective in regions with strong and consistent tidal flows. This energy density
also contributes to a smaller physical footprint for equivalent power output.
3. Longevity
Tidal power systems, such as tidal barrages, tidal lagoons, and underwater turbines,
are known for their long operational lifespans. Once installed, these systems can
operate for 25 to 100 years with relatively low maintenance and operating costs. The
marine environment is harsh, but the technologies used are built to endure corrosion,
pressure, and biofouling. The predictable nature of tides also reduces mechanical stress
caused by fluctuating loads, further enhancing system durability and long-term economic
viability.

4. Environmental Integration
Tidal energy offers strong environmental integration compared to many other
renewable energy sources. It requires minimal land use, as most installations are located
offshore or along coastlines, preserving terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural areas.
Furthermore, modern designs aim to minimize disruption to marine life and sediment
flow. For instance, tidal stream turbines are typically placed on the seabed, allowing
water to flow naturally around them. With careful site selection and monitoring, tidal
power can coexist with marine habitats and coastal communities.
 Harnessing Tidal Energy
Main Technologies:
1. Tidal Barrages:
A tidal barrage is a large dam-like structure built across the mouth of an estuary or tidal
basin to harness the energy of the tides. It operates by controlling the flow of seawater
between the ocean and the estuary through a series of sluice gates and turbines. This
method captures the potential energy created by the difference in water levels (known as
the tidal range) between high tide and low tide.
How Tidal Barrages Work

1. High Tide (Flood Phase):

As the tide rises, sluice gates in the barrage are opened, allowing seawater to flow into the
estuary or basin. Once the tide reaches its peak, the gates are closed, trapping a large
volume of water behind the barrage.

2. Low Tide (Generation Phase):

When the tide outside the barrage recedes, a difference in water levels is created. The
stored water is then released through turbines embedded in the barrage. As the water flows
back to the sea, it spins the turbines, which in turn drive electric generators to produce
power.

3. Bidirectional Generation (Optional):

Some advanced barrage systems are designed to generate electricity both when the tide
flows in and when it flows out, increasing the total energy output.
Advantages of Tidal Barrages

• High Energy Output: They can generate substantial power due to the large volumes of
water involved and the predictable nature of tides.
• Predictability: Energy production can be accurately forecasted based on known tidal
cycles.
• Longevity: Barrage systems are durable and can last for 50–100 years with proper
maintenance.
• Flood Control & Navigation: In some cases, barrages can also help control coastal
flooding and improve navigation by stabilizing water levels.

Disadvantages and Environmental Considerations

• High Initial Cost: The construction of tidal barrages is expensive and technically complex.
• Environmental Impact: Barrages can alter estuarine ecosystems by changing water flow,
sediment transport, and salinity levels. This can affect fish migration and local biodiversity.
• Limited Suitable Sites: Only locations with a large tidal range (typically over 5 meters) are
viable for barrage installation.
Examples
• La Rance Tidal Power Station (France): The world’s first and one of the most successful tidal
barrage plants, operational since 1966.
• Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station (South Korea): The largest tidal power installation in the world,
combining flood control with renewable energy generation.
2. Tidal Lagoons:

A tidal lagoon is a coastal structure that captures tidal energy by enclosing a portion of the
sea or a coastal bay using a circular or rectangular embankment or wall.

Like tidal barrages, tidal lagoons exploit the difference in water levels between high and
low tide to generate electricity, but they are designed to minimize ecological disruption and
can be built offshore as well as along the coast.

How Tidal Lagoons Work

1. Enclosure of Water:
A lagoon is created by constructing a perimeter wall around a selected area of the coastline or shallow
sea. The enclosed area fills naturally with seawater during high tide.
2. Water Release Through Turbines:
As the tide outside the lagoon recedes, sluices or turbines in the lagoon wall are opened, allowing water
to flow back to the sea. This flow drives turbines, converting the water’s potential energy into electricity.
3. Bidirectional Operation (Optional):
Some lagoons are designed to generate power during both the incoming and outgoing tides, maximizing
energy capture and efficiency.
Advantages of Tidal Lagoons

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Unlike barrages, lagoons do not block entire

estuaries, preserving sediment movement, fish migration routes, and natural habitats.
• Flexible Location: Lagoons can be built in coastal waters with suitable tidal ranges,
even offshore, avoiding interference with rivers and estuaries.
• Predictable Energy Generation: Tides are highly regular, enabling accurate
forecasting of electricity production.
• Longevity and Low Operating Costs: Like tidal barrages, lagoons can operate for
several decades with minimal maintenance.

Disadvantages
• High Capital Cost: Construction involves significant civil engineering works and
investment.
• Site-Specific: Only areas with sufficient tidal range and suitable seabed conditions are
viable.
• Potential Visual and Recreational Impact: Large lagoons may affect coastal scenery
and activities like shipping or tourism if built nearshore.

Examples
• Jiangxia Tidal Lagoon (China – Pilot Projects): Demonstrates the potential for
modular lagoon designs for power generation.
3. Tidal Stream Generators (TSGs)
Tidal Stream Generators, often called tidal turbines, are devices that capture kinetic
energy from the horizontal movement of tidal currents in oceans, seas, or estuaries.
Unlike tidal barrages or lagoons, TSGs do not rely on creating a difference in water
levels. Instead, they extract energy from the naturally flowing water, much like wind
turbines extract energy from moving air.
 Harnessing Wave Energy

Techniques Include:

A. Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs)

B. Point Absorbers
C. Overtopping Devices
 A. Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs) – Air compression drives turbines.

•Chamber: Traps air and interacts with the waves.

•Air duct: Connects the chamber to the turbine.
•Wells turbine: Converts bidirectional air flow into unidirectional rotation.
•Generator: Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
What is an Oscillating Water Column (OWC)?
An Oscillating Water Column (OWC) is a type of wave energy converter — a device that
captures energy from ocean waves and converts it into usable electrical power.

How It Works
Structure:
An OWC consists of a partially submerged chamber that is open at the bottom (to the sea)
and closed at the top, except for an air vent connected to a turbine.
Wave Action:
As waves move in and out, the water level inside the chamber rises and falls — this makes
the air above the water oscillate (move back and forth).
Air Compression and Expansion:
When the water level rises, it compresses the air, forcing it out through the turbine.
When the water level falls, it draws air back in through the turbine.
Turbine Operation:
The air moving in and out drives a Wells turbine, a special type of turbine that spins in the
same direction regardless of the airflow direction.
The turbine drives a generator to produce electricity.
Advantages
 Uses renewable wave energy.
 No fuel needed, minimal emissions.
 Can be installed near coasts or integrated into breakwaters.

Challenges
 Efficiency depends on wave conditions (height, frequency).
 Corrosion and biofouling in marine environments.
 Noise and maintenance issues due to moving air and water.
B. Point Absorbers – A Point Absorber is a floating wave energy device that converts the
up-and-down (heaving) motion of ocean waves into electrical energy.

It’s called a point absorber because its dimensions are small compared to the wavelength of
the waves it absorbs — it behaves like a single point on the sea surface.
C. Overtopping Devices
What is an Overtopping Device?
An Overtopping Device captures wave energy by collecting water that flows (overtops) into a
reservoir above the mean sea level.
This stored water is then released through low-head turbines, generating electricity, similar to a small
hydropower plant.
•Wave Capture:
Waves approach a ramp or slope that leads up to a reservoir.
As waves run up the ramp, part of the water overtops the ramp and is trapped in the reservoir.
•Potential Energy Storage:
The water in the reservoir is at a higher level than the surrounding sea — this creates potential
energy.
•Energy Conversion:
Water from the reservoir flows back to the sea through turbines located below.
These turbines drive generators, producing electrical power.
Advantages of Tidal and Wave Energy
• Renewable and sustainable.
• Predictable and consistent output.
• Low greenhouse gas emissions.
• Long operational life and low visual impact (offshore).
 Topic
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC):
 Principle of working,
 Rankine cycle,
 OTEC power stations in the world,
 problems associated with OTEC.
Exploiting the Thermal Gradient: The Principle Behind OTEC

This temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep water acts as
the driving force for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
The idea is to use the warm seawater as the heat source and the cold seawater as the
heat sink to operate a thermodynamic cycle — converting a portion of the ocean’s stored
solar energy into mechanical and then electrical energy.

The Rankine Cycle Analogy

OTEC systems work on the Rankine cycle principle, the same thermodynamic cycle used
in most thermal power plants, with some key differences:
In the Rankine cycle:
1. Heat addition causes a working fluid to vaporize.
2. The vapor expands and performs mechanical work (turning a turbine).
3. The vapor is condensed back to liquid using a cooler medium.
4. The liquid is pumped back to the evaporator to repeat the process.
OTEC power stations in the world
Typical OTEC Locations
OTEC is most feasible in tropical regions near the equator, where the surface-to-depth
temperature difference is greatest — e.g.:
• Hawaii (USA)
• India (Tamil Nadu & Lakshadweep)
• Japan
• Pacific Islands (Nauru, Tahiti)
• Indonesia
• Philippines

India initially had planned to set up an OTEC plant way back in 1980, off the Tamil
Nadu coast. However, with the foreign vendor closing down its operation, it had to be
abandoned.

• India’s OTEC Potential:

• As India is geographically well-placed to generate ocean thermal energy, with

around 2000 kms of coast length along the South Indian coast, where a
temperature difference of above 20°C is available throughout the year.

• The total OTEC potential around India is estimated as 180,000 MW, considering
40% of gross power for parasitic losses.
Problems associated with OTEC.
OTEC has enormous potential as a clean and renewable energy source, but it faces major
challenges —
1) Low Thermal Efficiency
2) High Capital and Maintenance Cost
3) Engineering and Technical Challenges
4) Environmental Impacts
5) Geographical Limitations
6) Transmission of Power
7) Large-Scale Deployment Issues
8) Lack of Technological Maturity
1. Low Thermal Efficiency
• The temperature difference (ΔT) between warm surface water and cold deep water is
small (usually only 20°C).
• According to thermodynamic laws (Carnot efficiency), this small ΔT limits the
maximum theoretical efficiency to about 6–7%, and the actual efficiency to only 2–3%.
• This means a large quantity of seawater must be pumped and processed to produce a
relatively small amount of electricity.

2. High Capital and Maintenance Cost

OTEC systems require:
 Massive pipes (up to 1000 m long) to draw cold seawater from the deep ocean.
 Large heat exchangers resistant to corrosion and fouling.
 Floating or offshore platforms capable of withstanding ocean currents and storms.
 Construction, installation, and maintenance in marine environments are very expensive.
 The initial investment cost per MW is far higher than for other renewable sources like
solar or wind.
3. Engineering and Technical Challenges
• Deep-water pumping: Maintaining a stable flow of cold water from depths of 1000 m
requires large-diameter, pressure-resistant, and non-corrosive pipelines.
• Biofouling and corrosion: Marine organisms (algae, barnacles, etc.) accumulate on pipes and
heat exchangers, reducing efficiency.
• Material fatigue: Constant exposure to saltwater, waves, and pressure differences can lead to
wear and structural failure.

4. Environmental Impacts
Although OTEC is generally clean, it can still have localized environmental effects:
 Thermal pollution: Discharging large volumes of warm and cold water back into the ocean
can alter local temperature profiles and affect marine ecosystems.
 Nutrient mixing: Bringing nutrient-rich cold water to the surface may disturb the natural
biological balance, possibly leading to unwanted algal blooms.
 Marine life disturbance: Water intake and discharge systems can harm small marine
organisms like plankton and larvae.
5. Geographical Limitations
• OTEC requires a minimum 20°C temperature difference between surface and deep water.
• Such conditions exist only in tropical and equatorial regions (between ±20° latitude).
• Even in these areas, suitable sites must be close to deep water near the coast for practical
installation.

6. Transmission of Power
 Many ideal OTEC sites are located offshore or on small tropical islands, far from major
power grids.
 Submarine power cables are required to transmit electricity to shore — which are
expensive and prone to losses or damage.

7. Large-Scale Deployment Issues

 Because of low energy density, to generate substantial power, an OTEC plant must
process enormous volumes of seawater.
 Scaling up from pilot plants (few MW) to commercial plants (hundreds of MW) poses
significant engineering and logistical challenges.

8. Lack of Technological Maturity

 OTEC is still in the developmental or pilot phase in most countries.
 Few large-scale operational plants exist.
 There is limited long-term data on durability, performance, and maintenance costs.