Ocean’s Energy

[Caser]

Ocean water energy is processed by converting potential energy from water stored above or uphill or at a higher pressure level into kinetic energy. This conversion can be harnessed by water wheels or by electrical turbines. There is a huge amount of energy that can be harnessed from the ocean water, which covers nearly 70% of the earth’s surface.

The ocean’s water can be used in two ways to generate electricity. It can be generated through tides and ocean current. Tides which occur reliably can be predicted many days in advance. This power of the tides can be collected through dams, using a barrage and through turbines. In tidal dams, a barrage is used at a bay or estuary with a large tidal range. Tidal turbines take advantage of fast-flowing ocean currents to create energy. The most prolific tidal turbines are horizontal axis turbines that in many ways are analogous to wind turbines.

Waves, which are caused by wind blowing over the surface of the ocean, also carry tremendous energy. It is calculated that the amount of power carried by these waves, breaking world’s coastlines is around 2-3 million megawatts. The energy from the waves is captured directly from surface waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface, using point absorbers, which resemble offshore buoys that measure environmental data. The power generated from the waves is so high that it can power as much as 10% of the world’s electrical demand.

[alltruetech]

It's so good to know that ocean energy provides and contribute alternative energy resources. It's also environmentally-friendly and avoids global warming that gas and coil provides.