Current tidal power technologies and their suitability for applications in coastal and marine areas

Abstract

A considerable body of research is currently being performed to quantify available tidal energy resources and to develop efficient devices with which to harness them. This work is naturally focussed on maximising power generation from the most promising sites, and a review of the literature suggests that the potential for smaller scale, local tidal power generation from shallow near-shore sites has not yet been investigated. If such generation is feasible, it could have the potential to provide sustainable electricity for coastal homes and communities as part of a distributed generation strategy, and would benefit from easier installation and maintenance, lower cabling and infrastructure requirements and reduced capital costs when compared with larger scale projects. This article reviews tidal barrages and lagoons, tidal turbines, oscillating hydrofoils and tidal kites to assess their suitability for smaller scale electricity generation in the shallower waters of coastal areas at the design stage. This is achieved by discussing the power density, scalability, durability, maintainability, economic potential and environmental impacts of each concept. The discussion suggests that tidal kites and range devices are not well suited toward small-scale shallow water applications due to depth and size requirements, respectively. Cross-flow turbines appear to be the most suitable technology, as they have high power densities and a maximum size that is not constrained by water depth. Oscillating hydrofoils would also be appropriate, provided comparable levels of efficiency can be achieved.

Electrical Power Supply of Remote Maritime Areas: A Review of Hybrid Systems Based on Marine Renewable Energies

“…Belonging to the hydrokinetic type of energy [27], two kinds of tidal energy can be distinguished [28,29]. The first is tidal kinetic energy, which is induced by water movement according to tide cycles, for which turbines are used to produce electricity.…”

“…The second is the tidal potential energy, where tidal barrages are used to extract the energy resulting from the water elevation cycle (also called tidal range devices). In this paper, only the tidal kinetic energy is studied, as the extracting technology (a turbine), the power density, the size requirements, and the power range are more suitable for coastal areas [29]. Moreover, the geographical areas suitable for tidal range devices are quite rare in the world [29].…”

“…In this paper, only the tidal kinetic energy is studied, as the extracting technology (a turbine), the power density, the size requirements, and the power range are more suitable for coastal areas [29]. Moreover, the geographical areas suitable for tidal range devices are quite rare in the world [29]. Indeed, their installation is possible only in areas with a water level elevation about several meters.…”

“…Tidal turbines are often compared to wind turbines with respect to the turbine operating principles. However, the tidal turbine performs better due to the water density, which is greater than air density, increasing the power density [26,29].…”

“…Extracting tidal kinetic energy can be carried out by several techniques, as explained and classified by many past papers [2,[26][27][28][29][30][31][33][34][35]. The following categories can be distinguished primarily, according to the type of device used.…”