Tidal power

Reviews the physics of tidal power, considering the gravitational effects of the Moon and Sun; semidiurnal, diurnal, and mixed tides; and major periodic components that affect the tidal range. Shelving, funneling, reflection, and resonance phenomena that have a significant effect on tidal range are also discussed. Basic parameters that govern the design of tidal power schemes in terms of mean tidal range and surface area of the enclosed basin are identified. Because energy extracted is proportional to the square root of the tidal amplitude, sites with large tidal amplitudes are best suited for tidal power developments, whereas sites with low tidal amplitudes have sluicing that may be prohibitive. Potential tidal energy developments are mentioned. Existing tidal energy plants are discussed. Tidal barrage design and construction using caissons is examined, as are alternative operating modes, development trends and possibilities, generation cost at the barrage boundary, sensitivity to discount rates, general economics, and markets. Environmental effects, and institutional constraints to the development of tidal barrage schemes are also discussed