Author: Tarun kumar
As we keep on saying that we have huge amount of potential for Solar/Wind power generation, but how do we forget that our own beautiful Earth is surrounded with 70% of sea water which we can utilize as for current and future power generation and would help us in also sustaining our life for longer future needs.
Tidal power is the only form of energy which derives directly from the relative motions of the Earth–Moon system, and to a lesser extent from the Earth–Sun system. The tidal forces produced by the Moon and Sun, in combination with Earth's rotation, are responsible for the generation of the tides.
An Analysis by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Indian government shows the country has an estimated 8,000 megawatts of tidal energy potential. The majority of this potential lies in the Gulf of Cambay where 7,000 megawatts of energy could be reportedly harnessed. The Gulf of Kutch has 1,200 MW of potential, while the Gangetic Delta offers 100 MW of recoverable energy.
India has a long coastline with the estuaries and gulfs where tides are strong enough to move turbines for electrical power generation. The Gulf of Cambay and the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat on the west coast have the maximum tidal range of 11m and 8m with average tidal range of 6.77m and 5.23m respectively. The Ganges Delta in the Sundarbans is approximately 5m with an average tidal range of 2.97m.
Facts About Tidal Energy :
- 2m high ocean wave with a period of 10sec has an energy flux of between 50 to 70 kW per metre of width.
- Power per length of wave form generated is Directly Proportional to Density &Amplitude of water wave form .
- Seawater is 832 times more dense than air, an 8 knot current is equivalent to a land based wind turbine receiving 380kph wind storm, tidal power is more efficient than wind.
Barriers for development of tidal energy :
- Not well regulated sufficient policy environment for this form of energy .
- Still ,we say that we live in technology ERA but we don't have exact tool or mechanism for the prediction of the wave lengths and potential of wave for particular time interval.
- Power generated from these tidal waves is not considered so efficient in terms of transmission as compare to Solar and Wind Transmission. So here we need to look for improvements.
- Fixing the right Design Strategy according to the situational analysis plays important role for the production so we need to introduce a kind of flexible ,may be mobile designs for certain situations.
- Operational costs are reasonable. But building and maintaining those plants is expensive. Therefore, the return on investment takes a while. It is furthermore problematic when it comes to getting the power to shore.
What New Can Happen in For Tidal Energy Development :
- We can implement systems for generation of tides inside sea bed according to requirement and feasibility. For this we can make utilization of geothermal energy from deep under the sea. (An experimental suggestion ).
- Should make shallow water turbines , these turbines are most effective in shallow water. This produces more energy and allows ships to navigate around the turbines.
Thus, we also need to focus for the development of Tidal Energy as God has given such an opportunity to make our life dependent on Renewable Energy.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/science-articles/future-tidal-energy-support-to-indian-renewable-energy-sector-6751469.html
About the Author
