Various aspects of the exploitation of marine current energy with tidal turbines

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to present a short review of the actual progress on the tidal energy and on the tidal energy convertors: turbines, dam systems, oscillating wings and their operation characteristics. The energy of the oceans: the tides, the waves, the difference of osmotic pressure between the fresh water and that of the oceans, the thermal gradient in the depths of the oceans, the sea currents, represents a huge reservoir of electricity estimated at an annual production of 120.000 TWh. The energy of the tides could provide a lot of electricity, but a power station of this type causes damage to the environment of the estuary where it is built and to its wild life because it prevents the passage of fish. Tidal turbines could be an alternative solution in environment protection.