tidaltechnologies-bristoluniversity（8页）.docVIP

TIDAL TECHNOLOGIES Introduction Harnessing energy from the oceans tides is by no means a new concept. The development of technologies to create electrical energy from tides has recently become of more interest. The advancements in these technologies and the development of prototypes have brought to light many challenges in developing this equipment. These structures must be built to withstand the elements of nature such as storms and high waves whilst minimising impact on the environment and marine life and still produce commercially viable electricity efficiently. Tidal Range Technologies Tidal Barrages There are currently several different methods of harnessing the power of tides. Tidal barrages, which generate the largest amount of electricity, have been around since 1966 in France. These barrages cannot be built anywhere and the selection of site is essential. The system needs to be located where the natural flow of water is concentrated between obstructions such as land masses. River estuaries and entrances to bays are an ideal choice as the flow of water is forced into a smaller area, magnifying the effect of the movement of tides. Tidal barrages work much like a hydroelectric dam in that the barrage produces a pressure head to drive turbines, but the barrage (or dam), is much larger. The barrage is built across a river estuary, which restricts the flow of water through the turbines in the barrage. The ebb and flow of the tides causes the water level on one side of the barrage to change relative to the water level on the other side, producing a pressure head. The pressure head created forces water through tunnels in the barrage where the turbines are housed and can turn the turbines directly, or can be used to push air through a pipe, which then causes a turbine to rotate. The main components of a tidal barrage power station are caissons, turbines, sluices, embankments and ship locks. The caissons are large concrete blocks, which house the turbines, slu