I See The Light | Tide Power - Harnessing the Moon

Power of the Tide - Harnessing the Moon

By Scott Harker
Renewable Energies generally come from two sources: Sunlight and Gravity.
From SUNLIGHT we get:

Solar Energy which uses direct sunlight,
Wind Power which harness temperature differences in the atmosphere created by the warmth of the Sun.
Biomass which converts plant and animal products into heat to produce electricty and fuels such as biodeisel. Of course, plants grow by changing sunlight into sugar and the animal chain starts with eating plants.

From GRAVITY we get:

Hydro-Electric Power which takes advantage of the movement of water in rivers. And rivers, of course, are freshwater pulled by the Earth's gravity field which flows "downward" from the mountains to the oceans. There is also a solar component to hydro-electric energy, since rainwater, the source of water on land, is recycled through the atmosphere by changes in temperature caused by sunlight.

Tide Power which uses the cyclic rising and falling of Ocean Waters to turn turbines and produce electricity. All coastal areas consistently experience two high and two low tides over a period of slightly greater than 24 hours.

What are Tides?

Tides are created by the dynamic interactions of the Moon's gravity field with the oceans of the Earth. As our planet rotates each day, the moon pulls on the surface of the Earth, the exact spot where the force is exerted changes constantly as our world turns. Landmasses do not change much when touched by the Moon's gravity, but the Oceans are greatly affected by the tug of gravity. Bulges are created in the oceans, raising and lowering the level of Ocean waters as the "bulge" moves along with the rotation of the Earth. Additional variations of the Tides are created during a month due to the differences in the Moon's positional relationship with the Earth, as the Moon goes through its monthly orbit.

Tide Power - Harnessing the Moon - Tapping the Tide:

Tidal power technologies include the following:

Barrage or dam

A barrage or dam is typically used to convert tidal energy into electricity by forcing the water through turbines, activating a generator. Gates and turbines are installed along the dam. When the tides produce an adequate difference in the level of the water on opposite sides of the dam, the gates are opened. The water then flows through the turbines. The turbines turn an electric generator to produce electricity.
Tidal fence

Tidal fences look like giant turnstiles. They can reach across channels between small islands or across straits between the mainland and an island. The turnstiles spin via tidal currents typical of coastal waters. Some of these currents run at 5–8 knots (5.6–9 miles per hour) and generate as much energy as winds of much higher velocity. Because seawater has a much higher density than air, ocean currents carry significantly more energy than air currents (wind).
Tidal turbine

Tidal turbines look like wind turbines. They are arrayed underwater in rows, as in some wind farms. The turbines function best where coastal currents run at between 3.6 and 4.9 knots (4 and 5.5 mph). In currents of that speed, a 15-meter (49.2-feet) diameter tidal turbine can generate as much energy as a 60-meter (197-feet) diameter wind turbine. Ideal locations for tidal turbine farms are close to shore in water depths of 20–30 meters (65.5–98.5 feet).

La Rance Tidal Station in France
tidal power plant

Present and Future Use of Tide Power from the Moon

Currently, there are no tidal power plants in the United States. However, that should soon change. A company called Verdant Power of Manhattan will be installing tidal turbines in the NewYork City's East River in 2007. The turbines will feature 16-foot blades and will turn no matter which direction the tidal waters are flowing. And certainly, as the demand for renewable energies grow, more such turbines harnessing the tides will be planted in coastal waters all over the world.

There are some problems with utilyzing the moon created tides. Dams and tidal fences tend to silt up and can interfere with the migration of marine life. They are also expensive to build. But the newly developed tidal turbines appear to have less negative side effects, have greater felixibility in where they can be placed and are relatively cheaper than Dams and Fences.

Taking advantage of our planetary companion, the moon, and its creation of the tides, is smart and doable. Ocean tidal power is renewable and has a vast potential to supply the energy we use today as well as our energy needs in the future.

About the author: Scott Harker is the publisher of of this site: I See the LIght | Solar Energy as well as sites about Natural Healing and Aromatherapy


Solar & Renewable Energy Archives - Look here for more information about solar power and other renewable energies.

Biodiesel-Maker's Energy Secrets

- The Absolute Best Method Of Making Biodiesel At Home. Create your own fuel source...!

Alternative Energy Resources.

Alex Chui's Immortality Rings

ON The Hook | Fishing Articles

Power of the Tide - Harnessing the Moon

What are Tides?

Tide Power - Harnessing the Moon - Tapping the Tide:

Barrage or dam

Tidal fence

Tidal turbine

Present and Future Use of Tide Power from the Moon

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Free Apple Recipes