Tidal Power Plant

1. Introduction:

Tidal power is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the energy of the tides to generate
electricity. Tidal power plants are designed to capture the kinetic energy of the tide and convert it
into electrical energy.

• Historical Background:

Humans have been using the power of tides for thousands of years, primarily for grinding
grain or pumping water for irrigation. The first recorded use of tidal power for mechanical purposes
dates back to the 11th century, when tide mills were used in the medieval Islamic world to grind
grains. In Europe, tide mills were also used during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions with
strong tidal currents such as the British Isles and the Atlantic coast of France.

The first attempts to generate electricity from tidal power began in the late 19th century, with the
construction of the La Rance Tidal Power Plant in France in 1966. This plant, located on the
estuary of the Rance River in Brittany, was the first large-scale tidal power plant in the world and
had an initial capacity of 240 MW. The La Rance plant is still in operation today, generating an
average of 500 GWh of electricity per year.
In the 20th century, interest in tidal power increased as concerns over the environmental impacts
of fossil fuels grew. Several other tidal power plants were built around the world, including the
Annapolis Royal Generating Station in Nova Scotia, Canada, which opened in 1984, and the Sihwa
Lake Tidal Power Station in South Korea, which opened in 2011.

In recent years, advances in technology have made tidal power a more attractive option for
renewable energy. New types of tidal power plants, such as tidal stream turbines and oscillating
water column devices, have been developed and tested. These technologies have the potential to
harness tidal energy in more locations and with greater efficiency than previous designs.

Despite the historical and technological advancements in tidal power, it still only accounts for a
small fraction of global electricity production. However, with the increasing demand for renewable
energy and the growing recognition of the potential of tidal power, it is likely that we will see
continued development and expansion of tidal power plants in the coming years.

• How Tides are generated:

Tides are generated primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on the
Earth's oceans. The gravitational attraction of these celestial bodies causes a bulge of water to form
on the side of the Earth facing them, and a corresponding bulge on the opposite side. As the Earth
rotates, these bulges move around the planet, causing the familiar pattern of two high tides and
two low tides each day.
 • Height of tidal wave:

The maximum height of a tidal wave, or "tidal bore," can vary greatly depending on a
number of factors, including the topography of the coastline and the shape of the local bay or
estuary. In general, tidal waves tend to be highest in areas with narrow, shallow channels or inlets
where the incoming tide is forced to converge and become compressed.

The highest tidal bore ever recorded was in the Qiantang River in China, where a wave as high as
30 feet (9.1 meters) has been observed. The largest tidal range, or difference between high and low
tide, is in the Bay of Fundy in Canada, where tides can reach a height of 53 feet (16 meters).

• Country benefiting from it:

Currently, the country generating the most power from tidal power plants is the United
Kingdom. As of 2021, the largest tidal power plant in the world is the MeyGen tidal power project
in Scotland, which has a capacity of 398 MW and generates enough electricity to power about
175,000 homes. Other countries with significant tidal power production include France, South
Korea, and Canada.

2. Principle of Tidal Power generation:

The principle of tidal power generation is to convert the kinetic energy of tidal currents
into electrical energy. This is typically done using a device called a tidal turbine, which is similar
to a wind turbine but operates underwater. Tidal turbines are placed in locations with strong tidal
currents, such as narrow channels or straits, where the water moves at a high velocity. As the tidal
current flows past the blades of the turbine, it causes them to rotate, which in turn drives a generator
to produce electricity. The electricity produced by the generator is then transported to the electrical
grid and distributed to consumers.

There are two main types of tidal turbines: horizontal axis turbines and vertical axis turbines.
Horizontal axis turbines are similar to wind turbines, with blades that rotate around a horizontal
axis. Vertical axis turbines have blades that rotate around a vertical axis, and they can be more
efficient in areas with turbulent or multidirectional tidal currents.

Another method of tidal power generation is the use of tidal barrages, which are large dams that
are built across tidal estuaries or bays. The barrage contains turbines that are driven by the flow of
water as the tide enters and leaves the bay. As the tide rises, water is allowed to flow into the bay
through the turbines, generating electricity. As the tide falls, the water is released from the bay
through the turbines, generating additional electricity. Tidal barrages can generate large amounts
of electricity, but they are expensive to build and can have significant environmental impacts on
the surrounding ecosystem.

In addition to tidal turbines and barrages, there are also other tidal power technologies being
developed, such as tidal lagoons, which use a similar principle to tidal barrages but are located in
coastal bays or lagoons, and tidal fences, which are arrays of small turbines that are arranged in a
fence-like structure to capture tidal currents.
3. Different types of Tidal Power Plants:
1. Tidal Barrage Power Plant:

A tidal barrage power plant is a type of tidal power generation facility that uses a dam or
barrage to capture the energy of the tides. It operates by exploiting the potential energy difference
between the water on either side of a tidal basin.

The basic design of a tidal barrage power plant consists of a large, U-shaped dam or barrage that
is built across a tidal estuary or bay. The dam contains a series of sluice gates, which allow water
to flow into the basin on the incoming tide and out of the basin on the outgoing tide. At each sluice
gate, there is a turbine that is turned by the flow of water, generating electricity.

When the tide is rising, the sluice gates are opened to allow water to flow into the basin. As the
water level in the basin rises, the potential energy stored in the head of water behind the barrage
increases. At high tide, the sluice gates are closed, and the water level inside the basin remains
constant. When the tide begins to fall, the sluice gates are opened again, allowing the water to flow
out of the basin through the turbines. As the water flows out, it generates electricity, which is then
sent to the electrical grid.

One advantage of tidal barrage power plants is that they can generate power continuously, as the
tides are predictable and regular. This makes them a reliable source of renewable energy.
Additionally, tidal barrage power plants can store energy by retaining water in the basin during
periods of low demand and releasing it during periods of high demand, making them a useful tool
for balancing the grid.

However, tidal barrage power plants can also have significant environmental impacts. They can
disrupt the natural flow of water in the estuary or bay, affecting fish migration patterns and the
ecosystem. They can also cause sedimentation and erosion, leading to changes in the coastline and
the ecology of the surrounding area. Finally, the construction of a tidal barrage power plant can be
expensive and require significant engineering expertise.

Overall, tidal barrage power plants are a promising technology for generating renewable energy,
but they need to be carefully planned and designed to minimize their environmental impacts.

2. Tidal Lagoon Power Plant:

A tidal lagoon power plant is a type of tidal power generation facility that harnesses the
energy of the tides using a man-made lagoon or basin that is open to the sea. The basic design of
a tidal lagoon power plant is similar to that of a tidal barrage power plant, but there are some key
differences.

In a tidal lagoon power plant, a large circular or semi-circular breakwater or embankment is

constructed offshore, creating a lagoon or basin. The embankment typically has a small opening
or channel that allows seawater to flow into the lagoon during high tide and out of the lagoon
during low tide. At the entrance and exit of the lagoon, there are usually one or more turbines that
are turned by the flow of water, generating electricity.

As the tide rises, seawater flows into the lagoon through the channel and fills the basin, creating a
head of water. The turbines at the entrance of the lagoon begin to turn as the water flows through,
generating electricity. When the tide begins to ebb, the water level in the lagoon falls, and the
turbines at the exit of the lagoon begin to turn, generating additional electricity. The turbines are
connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy of the rotating turbine into
electrical energy that can be sent to the electrical grid.

One advantage of a tidal lagoon power plant over a tidal barrage power plant is that it can be built
in coastal bays or lagoons, whereas a tidal barrage requires a large estuary or bay. This means that
tidal lagoons can be built closer to population centers, reducing the cost of transmitting electricity
to the grid. Additionally, tidal lagoons can have a lower environmental impact than tidal barrages,
as they do not require a dam or barrage that can disrupt the flow of water and affect the ecology of
the surrounding area.

However, there are also some disadvantages to tidal lagoon power plants. The construction of a
lagoon can be expensive and require significant engineering expertise, as the breakwater must be
able to withstand the force of the tides and the waves. Additionally, the turbines at the entrance
and exit of the lagoon can be subject to wear and tear from the saltwater environment and require
regular maintenance.

3. Oscillating water column Tidal Power Plant:

An oscillating water column (OWC) tidal power plant is a type of tidal power generation
facility that harnesses the energy of the waves using a chamber or column of air that is alternately
compressed and expanded by the motion of the waves. The OWC system consists of a partially
submerged chamber that is open to the sea at the bottom and contains a column of air above the
water level. The chamber is typically constructed on a shoreline or offshore platform and can have
various shapes and sizes.

As the waves enter the chamber, they cause the water level inside the chamber to rise and fall,
creating a fluctuation in the air pressure in the column above. The air pressure difference causes
the air to flow back and forth between the chamber and a turbine or generator located on top of the
column. The movement of the air drives the turbine, which generates electricity.

The OWC system can be designed to capture the energy from both the rise and fall of the waves,
depending on the configuration of the system. The system can also be integrated with other wave
energy conversion technologies, such as a point absorber or a heaving buoy, to increase the
efficiency of the system.

One advantage of the OWC system is that it can generate electricity continuously, as the waves
are a constant and predictable source of energy. Additionally, the OWC system can be designed to
be relatively simple and low-maintenance, as it does not have any moving parts submerged in the
seawater.

However, there are also some disadvantages to the OWC system. The system can be affected by
changes in the water level, such as tides and storm surges, which can cause fluctuations in the air
pressure and affect the efficiency of the system. Additionally, the OWC system can be vulnerable
to damage from the corrosive effects of seawater and from extreme weather events.

4. Tidal Power Generation Process:

The tidal power generation process typically involves several steps, which are outlined below:

1. Site selection: The first step in the tidal power generation process is to select a suitable site
for the power plant. Tidal power plants require a location with a large tidal range, such as
a bay, estuary, or narrow strait. The site should also have a strong and consistent tidal
current, as this will ensure that the power plant can generate electricity consistently.
2. Design and construction: Once a suitable site has been identified, the tidal power plant
must be designed and constructed. The design will depend on the type of tidal power plant
being built, whether it is a tidal barrage, tidal lagoon, or other type of system. The
construction process typically involves building a dam or other structure to trap the tidal
energy, installing turbines and generators, and connecting the power plant to the electrical
grid.
3. Tidal cycle monitoring: Once the tidal power plant has been constructed, the tidal cycle
must be monitored to ensure that the plant is operating at maximum efficiency. This
involves measuring the tidal range, current speed, and other factors that can affect the
performance of the power plant.
4. Tidal power generation: The actual process of generating electricity from the tides
involves several steps. In a tidal barrage system, the water is trapped behind a dam during
high tide, and then released through turbines as the tide falls. In a tidal lagoon system, the
 water flows into a basin or lagoon during high tide, and then flows out through turbines as
the tide falls. In an oscillating water column system, the motion of the waves compresses
and expands a column of air, which drives a turbine to generate electricity.
5. Electricity transmission: Once the electricity has been generated, it must be transmitted
to the electrical grid for distribution to homes and businesses. This typically involves
converting the electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and then
transmitting it through power lines.
6. Maintenance and repair: Finally, the tidal power plant must be regularly maintained and
repaired to ensure that it is operating at maximum efficiency. This involves inspecting and
replacing worn or damaged parts, cleaning the turbines and generators, and performing
other maintenance tasks as needed.

Overall, the tidal power generation process is a complex and sophisticated process that requires
careful planning, design, and operation to ensure that it is reliable and efficient.

5. Components of a Tidal Power Plant:

1. Tidal Barrage: A tidal barrage is a dam-like structure that is built across a river or estuary.
Its main purpose is to capture and control the flow of water as it moves in and out with the
tides. During high tide, the barrage gates are closed to trap the water behind the dam. As
the tide begins to fall, the gates are opened and the water flows through turbines to generate
electricity. The tidal barrage is a key component of the tidal power plant, as it allows the
plant to capture the energy of the tides and convert it into electricity.
2. Turbines: Turbines are machines that convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into
mechanical energy, which can then be used to generate electricity. In a tidal power plant,
turbines are typically installed in the barrage gates or in a separate turbine house. As the
water flows through the turbines, it causes them to rotate, which drives a generator to
produce electricity.
3. Generator: A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
In a tidal power plant, the generator is connected to the turbines and is driven by their
rotational energy. As the generator spins, it produces electricity that can be transmitted to
the grid for distribution.
 4. Electrical equipment: The electrical equipment in a tidal power plant includes
transformers, switchgear, and other devices that are used to manage the flow of electricity
from the generator to the grid. Transformers are used to step up the voltage of the electricity
so that it can be transmitted over long distances, while switchgear is used to control the
flow of electricity and protect the equipment from damage.
5. Control system: The control system in a tidal power plant is responsible for managing the
operation of the plant and ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently. The control
system typically includes sensors and monitors that measure the flow of water, the speed
of the turbines, and other parameters, as well as software and controllers that manage the
flow of water and adjust the turbine speed as needed.
6. Challenges:

While tidal power generation has the potential to be a reliable and renewable source of energy,
there are several challenges that must be overcome in order to make it a practical and viable
solution. Here are some of the key challenges associated with tidal power generation:

1. High Capital Costs: One of the biggest challenges associated with tidal power generation
is the high capital costs required to build and maintain the infrastructure needed to generate
electricity from the tides. This includes the cost of building the tidal barrage, installing the
turbines and generators, and maintaining the equipment. The high cost of these components
can make tidal power generation prohibitively expensive, especially when compared to
other sources of renewable energy.
2. Limited Sites for Tidal Barrages: Tidal barrages require specific conditions to be
effective, including a large tidal range and a suitable location for the barrage. This limits
the number of potential sites for tidal power generation, making it difficult to scale up this
form of renewable energy.
3. Saltwater corrosion: It is a significant challenge associated with tidal power generation.
The high salt content of seawater can cause corrosion and damage to the turbines and other
equipment used in tidal power plants.
Saltwater corrosion occurs when the saltwater comes into contact with metal surfaces,
causing a chemical reaction that leads to the breakdown of the metal. The corrosion can
weaken the metal and ultimately cause equipment failure if left unchecked. To address this
 challenge, tidal power plant operators must take steps to minimize the impact of saltwater
corrosion. This includes using materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as high-
strength stainless steel and other specialized alloys. Operators can also apply protective
coatings to the metal surfaces, such as epoxy or polyurethane coatings, to prevent direct
contact between the seawater and the metal.
Another approach to minimizing saltwater corrosion is to use sacrificial anodes. These are
small pieces of metal, typically made of zinc or magnesium, that are attached to the
equipment. The anodes corrode more quickly than the surrounding metal, effectively
sacrificing themselves to protect the equipment from corrosion. Regular maintenance and
inspections are also critical to preventing and addressing saltwater corrosion in tidal power
plants. Any signs of corrosion should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage
to the equipment.
Overall, saltwater corrosion is a significant challenge associated with tidal power
generation, but there are steps that can be taken to minimize its impact and ensure the long-
term reliability of the equipment.
4. Environmental Impact: Tidal barrages can have a significant impact on the surrounding
environment, including changes in water levels, sedimentation, and alterations to marine
ecosystems. These impacts can affect local fishing and tourism industries and raise
concerns about the long-term ecological effects of tidal power generation.
5. Maintenance and Reliability: The harsh marine environment can take a toll on tidal
power equipment, making maintenance and repairs a significant challenge. Ensuring that
turbines and other equipment are functioning properly requires regular inspection and
upkeep, which can be costly and time-consuming.
6. Transmission and Grid Integration: Tidal power plants are often located in remote areas,
which can make it difficult to transmit electricity to where it is needed. In addition,
integrating tidal power into the existing electrical grid can be challenging, as the output of
tidal power plants can be variable and difficult to predict.
7. Effect on Navigation: Tidal barrages can have a significant impact on navigation,
particularly for ships that need to navigate through the area. This can raise concerns about
safety and increase the cost of transportation in the region.
7. Advantages & Disadvantages:

Advantages:
• Renewable energy source
• No greenhouse gas emissions
• Predictable energy source
Disadvantages
• High capital costs
• Limited availability of suitable sites
• Environmental impact on marine life
8. Power Generated by Tidal Power Plant:

The power generated by a tidal power plant can be calculated using the following formula:

Power (P) = Density of seawater (ρ) x Acceleration due to gravity (g) x Tidal range (h) x Area
of turbine blades (A) x Efficiency (η)

where:

• Density of seawater (ρ) = 1025 kg/m³

• Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.81 m/s²
• Tidal range (h) = the difference in height between high and low tides, measured in meters
• Area of turbine blades (A) = the surface area of the blades of the tidal turbine, measured in
square meters,

The area of the turbine blade can be calculated using the following formula:

Area (A) = π x (D/2)²

where:

• π (pi) = 3.14 (approximately)

• D = diameter of the turbine rotor, measured in meters

To calculate the area of the turbine blade, you would need to measure or know the diameter of the
turbine rotor. Once you have this value, you can plug it into the formula to calculate the area of
the blade.
It's important to note that the diameter of the turbine rotor is not the same as the diameter of the
tidal turbine itself. The turbine rotor is the rotating part of the turbine that contains the blades,
while the diameter of the turbine is the overall size of the turbine housing and support structure.
So be sure to measure the correct component when calculating the area of the turbine blade.

Efficiency (η) = the efficiency of the tidal turbine

To calculate the power generated by a tidal power plant, you would need to measure or estimate
the tidal range, the area of the turbine blades, and the efficiency of the turbine. You can then plug
these values into the formula to calculate the power output of the tidal power plant.

It's important to note that the efficiency of a tidal power plant can vary depending on a number of
factors, including the design of the turbine, the flow of water through the turbine, and the
conditions of the tides. As a result, the actual power output of a tidal power plant may be lower
than the theoretical maximum calculated using the formula above.

9. Efficiency of a Tidal Power Plant:

The efficiency of a tidal power plant can be determined by comparing the actual power
output of the plant to the theoretical maximum power output based on the available tidal energy.

The theoretical maximum power output of a tidal power plant can be calculated using the formula:

Power (P) = 0.5 x ρ x A x H x V³ x η

where:

• ρ = density of seawater (approximately 1025 kg/m³)

• A = area of the tidal turbine rotor blades (in square meters)
• H = the height difference between high tide and low tide (in meters)
• V = the velocity of the water flowing through the turbine (in meters per second)
• η = the efficiency of the tidal turbine

To determine the efficiency of the tidal power plant, you would first need to measure or estimate
the values of H, A, and V. Then, you can use the formula above to calculate the theoretical
maximum power output of the tidal power plant.
Next, you would need to measure the actual power output of the tidal power plant using power
meters or other measuring devices. You can then calculate the efficiency of the plant by dividing
the actual power output by the theoretical maximum power output and multiplying by 100 to
express the result as a percentage.

Efficiency (%) = (Actual power output / Theoretical maximum power output) x 100

It's important to note that the efficiency of a tidal power plant can vary based on a number of
factors, including the design of the turbine, the flow of water through the turbine, and the
conditions of the tides. As a result, the efficiency of a tidal power plant may be lower than the
theoretical maximum calculated using the formula above.