This motion then drives fluid in a hydraulic system to be converted into electricity. The tidal current flowing either side of a wing results in lift. The tidal stream causes the rotors to rotate around the vertical axis and generate power.ДЄ hydrofoil is attached to an oscillating arm. Vertical axis turbines extract energy from the tides in a similar manner to that above, however the turbine is mounted on a vertical axis.

The tidal stream causes the rotors to rotate around the horizontal axis and generate power. Horizontal axis turbines extract energy from moving water in much the same way as wind turbines extract energy from moving air. We have identified six main types of tidal energy converters (TECs): A) Horizontal axis turbine To increase the flow and power output from the turbine, concentrators (or shrouds) may be used around the blades to streamline and concentrate the flow towards the rotors. Due to the higher density of water, this means that the blades can be smaller and turn more slowly, but they still deliver a significant amount of power. The tidal stream devices, which utilise these currents, are broadly similar to submerged wind turbines and are used to exploit the kinetic energy in tidal currents. The fast sea currents are often magnified by topographical features, such as headlands, inlets and straits, or by the shape of the seabed when water is forced through narrow channels.

Tidal energy exploits the natural ebb and flow of coastal tidal waters caused principally by the interaction of the gravitational fields of the earth, moon and sun. Browse: Home / Marine Energy / Tidal devices Tidal devices

Tidal turbine