Renewable Energy Sources Flashcards
What is wave power?
Lots of small wave-powered turbines located around the coast.
How does the sea drive a generator?
The waves come in to the shore they provide an up and down motion which is used to drive a generator.
What is a negative about wave power?
It spoils the view and its dangerous to boats.
Unreliable as waves tend to die out when wind drops.
What is a positive about wave power?
There’s no pollution.
What is the initial cost for wave power?
Initial costs are high.
No fuel costs .
Minimal running costs.
Overall how effective is wave power?
Its never likely to provide energy on a large scale.
But very useful on small islands.
What are tidal barrages?
Big dams built across river estuaries with turbines in them.
How do tidal barrages work?
As the tide comes in it fills up the estuary to a height of several metres also driving the turbines.
This water can be allowed out through the turbines at a controlled speed.
In tidal barrages what is the source of the energy?
The gravity of the sun and the moon.
What are negatives about tidal barrages?
They prevent free access by boats.
Spoil the view.
Alternate the habitats of wildlife.
What are positives about tidal barrages?
No pollution.
Reliable - happen twice a day without fail alway near the predicted height.
Why is it bad that the height of tide is variable?
Lower tides = provide less energy.
When do tidal barrages not work?
When the water level is the same either side of the barrage.
Happen 4 times a day because of the tides.
What are tidal barrages excellent for doing?
Storing energy ready for periods of peak demand.
What are the costs like for tidal barrages?
Initial costs are moderately high.
No fuel costs.
Minimal running costs/
