Tidal Barrages Generate Energy When the Tide Goes In and Out Flashcards
What are tidal barrages?
Big damns built across river estuaries, with turbines in them
What happens as the tide comes in?
It fills up the estuary to a height of several meters
What can this water then do?
Be allowed out through turbines at a controlled speed. Also drives turbines on the way
Where is the energy transferred from and to and why?
Kinetic energy stores of the water to the kinetic energy store of the turbine, and used to generate electricity
What’s good about it?
No pollution and renewable
What are the main problems?
Preventing free access by boats
Spoiling the view
Altering the habitat of the wildlife
Why will lower tides provide less energy this higher ones?
Tides are pretty reliable, but the height of the tide is variable
How expensive are they?
Initial costs are moderately high, but there’s no fuel costs and minimal running costs
