Water is an essential resource for life and, at the same time, it has an unquestionable energy potential. On the one hand, there are the traditional hydraulic systems and, on the other hand, the force of waves and tides can be transformed into energy , but particularly into tidal energy.
The force of tides and waves
For centuries, tidal and ocean water has been wasted, but in recent decades scientists have detected the potential of tidal rises and falls and the ability of waves to become energy. In this way, two energetic modalities arise: the tidal wave (tidal energy) and the undimotriz (wave energy). Tidal Energy
As its name indicates, tidal energy is based on harnessing the tides, which occur from the position of the Earth in relation to the moon. In this modality, the water masses are used and the currents are produced between high tide and low tide. From a technical point of view, large unevenness of the tide or strong currents are necessary for these techniques to be applied.
Currently, the largest tidal power plant in the world is located in South Korea and has a dike more than 12 km long.
The wave or undimotive energy is produced by the effect of the wind on the surface of the sea. For example, in the Cantabrian Sea, winds produce waves in excess of three meters and this phenomenon has great energy potential. In this sense, this energy can establish an interesting alternative. Tidal Energy
Energy Transformation Systems
Currently, there are several ways to get energy through waves and tides. There is an attenuator pickup system that uses a floating device that moves between the waves and this undulating movement that the device experiences becomes electrical energy. The realignment system allows the wave water not to exceed a certain level and to be captured in a tank, later on, electricity can be obtained through a device. The point capture system is based on a floating structure that absorbs energy coming from all directions. In the oscillating water column system, a wall is built on the coastline and inside it there are several turbines that take advantage of the impact of the waves to generateelectricity .
Advantages and disadvantages of tidal and undimotive energy
Like all energy sources , those that come from tides and waves have their advantages and disadvantages. It is positive because ocean water is an inexhaustible, clean and renewable energy source, and tides are a totally predictable phenomenon.
Some of the main negative points to be mentioned are the following: there are some doubts about the possible impact on the environment , the construction of the plants must be close to the coastal areas and it is a technology with high economic cost .
