Mareomotriz energy: what is and how works

We call Mareomotor energy, oceanic energy or marine energy to the energy that is achieved with the use of movement produced by tidesthat is, when they go up and down. The energy that is generated naturally, is exploited by the turbines that when activated move the mechanical set of the alternator and, thus, electricity occurs.

It is important to mention that this energy, sometimes, is confused with the UNDIMOTRIZ ENERGY or also called wave energy. Undimotriz energy is that produced by the movement of waves and mareomotor energy by the movement of tides, so they are not the same although both occur in the sea. Here you can learn more about the eldimotric energy: what it is, how it works, types, examples, advantages and disadvantages.

To continue learning about marine energy that takes advantage of the tides, in the next section it will be explained in detail how the tidal energy occurs and we will continue talking about its characteristics and some examples of plants.

The best places to install a tidal central are in A estuary, a bay or a estuary where sea water penetrates and give a difference of at least 5 meters between the high level (maximum sea level) and low (minimum sea level). Once the location for the central is chosen, this is How Mareomotriz Energy works:

1. The construction of a dike is necessary to control the movement of water.
2. When the tide goes up the dike gates open and the water passes into the reservoir.
3. When the water arrives at the maximum level of the reservoir the gates close.
4. In lowering the sea level descends and a difference between the water level of the reservoir and the sea is achieved.
5. At this time the gates of the load channels open so that the water passes from the reservoir to the sea through the turbines.
6. The force of the water causes the caulbrilling of the turbine to turn it and, as a consequence, this movement reaches a generator that is the one that will produce electricity.

There are many Characteristics of Mareomotriz Energywithin them we find:

• The main characteristic is that with this type of energy, electricity is obtained thanks to the rise and descent of the tides.
• It is a type of renewable energy and can occur at any time of the year. We recommend you learn more about renewable and non -renewable energies: examples and summary with this other Ecology Verde.
• We are facing an energy considered clean, since its production does not emit greenhouse gei or gas. Discover more about what clean or green energies are with this other post.
• Knowing at what time the tides will occur is possible thanks to the advances of science and technological, so you can focus the design of the systems so that they are suitable for the potential you want to obtain.
• It is an energy that we can consider as efficient due to the density of the water, since energy can even occur causing the turbines to move at a low speed, thus adjusting their production to the need.
• Its facilities are easy maintenance.
• Its facilities are silent, thanks to this there is no noise pollution. Obtaining energy is economically affordable.

In the following article you can know the advantages and disadvantages of mareomotor energy.

The location of dams are a crucial element to use this type of energy, some Examples of mareomotor energy plants are:

Sihwa Lake Mareomotor Plant, South Korea

It is located in Lake Sihwa located 4 km from the city of Siheung, installed on the edge of an artificial lake in front of the sea. It was put into service in 2011. It is currently the largest mareomotor central the world and generates unidirectional energy twice a day. It has 10 turbines that have the ability to produce 552.7 GWh/year, being able to supply 500000 inhabitants for domestic activities.

La Rance Mareomotriz Plant, France

The central is located in the estuary of the Rance River, in Brittany. Its installation presents a dam and a dike, covering more than 22 square kilometer. It is the first senomotor central that is installed in the world, being in 1996 when it is commissioned. It is currently generating energy and is the second largest in the world, being able to cover 60% of the energy needs of the Brittany region during the year. The tides of this central are 8 meters average, and present 24 turbines reaching 540 GWh/year.

Annapolis Royal Mareomotor Plant, Canada

It is put into service in 1984 and the tides have an average range of 10.8 meters. It only has implanted 1 turbine that produces 30 GWh/year. The turbine used has been in experimentation since 1984, being 18 MW with a consumption of 400 m3/Sy as well as the Sihwa plant operates unidirectionally.

Below you can watch a video with a summary about mareomotor energy and learn more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g2u8xPphwi

If you want to read more articles similar to Mareomotriz energy: what is and how workswe recommend that you enter our category of renewable energy.