Cost of Tidal Energy edit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power

Tidal Energy has a expensive initial cost which may be one of the reasons tidal energy not a popular source of renewable energy. It is important to realize that the methods for generating electricity from tidal energy is a relatively new technology. It is projected that tidal power will be commercially profitable within 2020 with better technology and larger scales.[1]Tidal Energy is however still very early in the research process and the ability to reduce the price of tidal energy can be an option. The cost effectiveness depends on each site tidal generators are being placed. To figure out the cost effectiveness they use the the Gibrat ratio. The Gilbert ratio is the ratio of the length of the barrage in metres to the annual energy production in kilowatt hours (1 kilowatt hour = 1 KWH = 1000 watts used for 1 hour).[2]

 

Due to tidal energys reliability the expensive upfront cost of these generators will slowly be paid off. Due to the success of a greatly simplified design, the orthogonal turbine offers considerable cost savings. As a result the production period of each generating unit is reduced, lower metal consumption is needed and technical efficiency is greater. [3] Scientific research has the capability to have a renewable resource like tidal energy that is affordable as well as profitable.

Tidal Stream Energy edit

Stream energy can be used at a much higher rate than wind turbines due to water being more dense than air. Using similar technology to wind turbines converting energy in tidal energy is much more efficient. Close to 10 mph (about 8.6 knots in nautical terms) ocean tidal current would have an energy output equal or greater than a 90 mph wind speed for the same size of turbine system.[4]

  1. ^ "Tidal Energy Pros and Cons - Energy Informative". Energy Informative. Retrieved 2018-04-23.
  2. ^ "Tidal Energy - Ocean Energy Council". Ocean Energy Council. Retrieved 2018-04-23.
  3. ^ Sveinsson, Níels. "Profitability Assessment for a Tidal Power Plant at the Mouth of Hvammsfjörður, Iceland" (PDF).
  4. ^ "Tidal Stream and Tidal Stream Energy Devices of the Sea". Alternative Energy Tutorials. Retrieved 2018-05-07.