It seems to me that this would be an endless source of energy. Walls or piers could be used to condense and direct the flow to create an even greater force.
2006-07-19 14:23:46 · 17 answers · asked by travelingin2006 1 in Environment
Yes, a company in Canada pioneered the concept.
http://www.bluenergy.com
2006-07-19 15:01:48 · answer #1 · answered by Pai V 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
There's no such thing as free energy. Figure in the maintenance and running costs alone for all this infrastructure under the sea and you're talking a lot even after you've paid for the equipment. At least it's not intermittent like wind power but these systems have effects on the environment too.
2006-07-19 14:38:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tidal power generation is just like offshore wind power generation used to be - not economically feasible on a large scale yet. As far as being ugly, they are typically designed to be under water, so there's nothing to see. Northern Europe will probably lead the way in development, but it will take a while before significant projects start popping up.
2006-07-19 14:33:01 · answer #3 · answered by ironchefjb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I've got yo say that as a design teacher for a number of years, I presented this idea to my students many years ago. The "motion of the ocean" I called it. And a few weeks later it was on the cover of Popular Science Mag. It was discussed being use in Holland or Denmark, can't remember. It is feasible as well as many other forms of energy we don't consider.
Keep on thinking.
2006-07-19 14:45:26 · answer #4 · answered by cancan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called "hydropower". It's been harnessed for centuries. Heard of the waterwheel? That's using hydropower to grind grain. Dams also use the flow of water to create hydropower.
There is much more information on this website: http://www.re-energy.ca/t-i_waterpower.shtml
including info and diagrams on Tidal turbines (which function much like windmill turbines), and how to build your own small scale hydroenergy generator from plastic spoons.
2006-07-19 14:32:05 · answer #5 · answered by Philyra_Rose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had though this was already done in desalination plants but I can't seem to find anything.
I think it's been a problem in getting good conversion of the energy when compared to other things like water turbines.
2006-07-19 14:27:03 · answer #6 · answered by molex77 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes , but its so expensive to make generators that don't rust and to work on then and build them the cost are enormous , the problem isn't really lack of energy its lack of cheap power so that the billionaires can get richer . if you had a billion dollars wouldn't you want the most bang for your buck , well that's coal and oil right now .
2006-07-19 14:35:17 · answer #7 · answered by wise one 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are planning it off the coast of Portland, OR.
the problems are:
high cost
high maintenance
obstructs boats
no aesthetically pleasing
i agree that this should be done no matter what the cost because it would be basically free energy once its set up. unfortunately, most people don't care about this sort of thing since burning oil and coal is so much easier.
2006-07-19 14:29:31 · answer #8 · answered by Critical Mass 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I have and I think it's a great idea that more people should use. Also Help stop global warming by joining going to these 2 websites #1 go to www.Stopglobalwarming.org and sign up for a free membership.
#2 go to www.UNDOIT.org and sign there petition in favor of stopping Global Warming.
2006-07-19 15:28:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are called tidal barrages. There are currently two commercial sized barrages in operation. One is located in La Rance, France; the other is in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada. The US has no tidal plants yet.
2006-07-19 14:28:16 · answer #10 · answered by Stacy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is called hydropower
or Tidal Power
meaning the power of water.
Dams use this kind of power
2006-07-19 14:27:15 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋