Definition of the Subject
Tidal energy, as interpreted in this essay, is considered to be the artificial extraction of energy from: either the rise or fall of the sea surface under the influence of tides or the extraction of energy from tidally driven currents. The associated theoretical energy resources are considerable on a global scale, but the geographic conditions necessary for significant tidal ranges, or current velocities, do tend to be restricted to a relatively small number of sites worldwide. Some of the most attractive tidal range sites, however, such as the Severn Estuary, between England and Wales, and the Bay of Fundy in Canada possess very considerable energy flux densities. Similarly, the most energetic tidal currents, such as in the Pentland Firth, to the north of the Scottish mainland, would also appear to offer major prospects for development.
Although there has been considerable progress in recent years toward the commercial exploitation of the tides for energy,...
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Abbreviations
- Barrage:
-
An artificial barrier, usually constructed across an estuary, designed to maintain different water levels on either side.
- Ebb tide:
-
The stage of a tide in which the water depth is reducing.
- Flood tide:
-
The stage of a tide in which the water depth is increasing.
- Neap tide:
-
Smaller fortnightly tides falling between the spring tides.
- Spring tide:
-
Large fortnightly tides, resulting from the Earth, Sun, and Moon being approximately in line.
- Tidal basin:
-
The area of water behind a tidal barrage.
- Tidal currents:
-
Water currents resulting from tidal action.
- Tidal stream:
-
A tidal current which has been accelerated as a result of the natural geography.
- Tides:
-
The response of the world’s seas and oceans to the influences of the Moon and the Sun relative to the Earth.
- Turbine:
-
A mechanical system in which energy in a moving fluid is transferred to a rotating system.
Bibliography
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Boyle G (ed) (1996) Renewable energy. The Open University, Milton Keynes
“Severn Barrage Scheme”, Hansard, 4th February 1926
Norris J, Bryden I (2007) The European marine energy centre (EMEC): facilities and resources. Proc Inst Civil Eng 160(2):51–58. doi:10.1680/ener.2007.160.2.51
www.thecrownestate.co.uk/newscontent/92-round-1-pentland-firth.htm
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Bryden, I.G. (2013). Tidal Energy. In: Kaltschmitt, M., Themelis, N.J., Bronicki, L.Y., Söder, L., Vega, L.A. (eds) Renewable Energy Systems. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5820-3_700
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5820-3_700
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