“Tidal lagoon power is a renewable energy technology that harnesses the natural rise and fall of ocean tides to generate electricity. It involves the construction of a man-made structure called a tidal lagoon, which is a large, enclosed basin or reservoir located along the coastline or in an estuary area.
Here’s how tidal lagoon power works:
Construction of the Tidal Lagoon: A semi-circular or crescent-shaped wall is built in a suitable coastal location to create the tidal lagoon. The wall is constructed in a way that allows water to flow in and out during the tidal cycle.
Tidal Inlet and Outlet: The tidal lagoon has one or more tidal inlets, which are openings in the wall facing the sea. These inlets allow seawater to flow into the lagoon during high tide. On the opposite side, there are outlet gates that control the flow of water back into the sea during low tide.
Tidal Turbines: Inside the lagoon, there are turbines or underwater turbines positioned near the inlet gates. These turbines are similar to the ones used in hydropower plants but designed specifically for underwater use.
Tidal Cycle: As the tide rises, the seawater flows into the lagoon through the tidal inlets. This process continues until the water level inside the lagoon is higher than the sea level. At high tide, the inlet gates are closed, trapping the water inside the lagoon.
Electricity Generation: When the tide starts to fall, the water level inside the lagoon becomes higher than the sea level. The difference in water levels creates a pressure gradient, causing water to flow out through the outlet gates. As the water flows out, it passes through the tidal turbines. The moving water drives the turbines, which in turn generate electricity through connected generators.
Reciprocating Process: The tidal cycle repeats itself, with the water flowing in during high tide and out during low tide. The gates are opened and closed accordingly to allow the most efficient capture of tidal energy.
Advantages of tidal lagoon power include its predictability and reliability, as tidal cycles are highly predictable and occur twice a day. Additionally, tidal lagoons have the potential to generate significant amounts of renewable energy, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
However, there are challenges to consider, such as the high initial construction costs, potential environmental impacts on marine ecosystems, and the limited availability of suitable locations with significant tidal range. Despite these challenges, tidal lagoon power remains an interesting option for harnessing clean energy from the tides.”