Harnessing

Oceanic Power
A Comprehensive Review of
Tidal Energy and Ocean
Thermal Energy Conversion

January 31, 2024

Energy Resources and Technology (TE2)

By: Engr. Jan Michael Batilo

Abstract
The ongoing global quest for sustainable energy solutions has prompted
researchers and engineers to venture into unconventional sources, with a
particular focus on the immense potential offered by the ocean. This
comprehensive paper takes a thorough look at two promising technologies
within the realm of oceanic energy: Tidal Energy and Ocean Thermal
Energy Conversion (OTEC).

The exploration begins by dissecting the intricate processes involved in

harnessing energy from tidal movements and the conversion of ocean thermal
gradients. Tidal energy, derived from the gravitational forces between the
Earth, Moon, and Sun, is scrutinized alongside OTEC, a technology that
leverages the temperature differences between the ocean's surface and deeper
layers.

In order to provide a holistic perspective, the paper meticulously outlines the

advantages and disadvantages associated with each technology. It delves into
the technical intricacies, shedding
light on the engineering challenges
and innovations that accompany the
development and implementation of
tidal energy and OTEC systems.

Moreover, the paper extends its scope

to evaluate the potential global
impact of these technologies on
climate change mitigation. By
examining their carbon footprint,
scalability, and compatibility with
existing energy infrastructure, the
research aims to elucidate the role
that tidal energy and OTEC could
play in shaping the future energy
landscape.

Ultimately, the overarching goal of

this paper is to furnish readers with a
profound understanding of the
potential contributions of tidal energy
and OTEC to the evolving energy mix.
By addressing not only the technical
aspects but also the broader
implications for climate change, the
paper seeks to inform discussions and
decision-making processes surrounding the adoption of sustainable energy
 solutions on a global scale.

Introduction
The urgent demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions has propelled
intensive research into tapping the vast potential of the ocean. This introduction
serves as a prelude to an in-depth examination of two pivotal technologies within
the realm of oceanic energy—tidal energy and ocean thermal energy conversion
(OTEC). The emphasis here is on recognizing their crucial roles in the broader
context of the global shift towards a low-carbon economy.

In response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change and the

imperative to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels, the exploration of
alternative energy sources becomes paramount. The ocean, with its immense
energy reservoirs, emerges as a promising frontier for addressing these
challenges. Tidal energy and OTEC, as innovative technologies harnessing the
power of oceanic forces, take center stage in this pursuit.

As the world grapples with the repercussions of climate change, the need for
sustainable energy solutions becomes more apparent than ever. Tidal energy,
derived from the gravitational interplay between celestial bodies, and OTEC,
leveraging the temperature disparities within the ocean, offer compelling avenues
for meeting this need. Both technologies represent not only a departure from
conventional energy sources but also a potential catalyst for a transformative shift
towards a cleaner, greener energy landscape.

Against this backdrop, the forthcoming paper will intricately dissect and analyze
the diverse facets of tidal energy and OTEC. The objective is to present a
comprehensive understanding of these technologies, covering their technological
intricacies, advantages, disadvantages, and global implications. By doing so, the
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 paper seeks to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on
sustainable energy and to underscore the pivotal role that tidal energy and OTEC
can play in steering the world towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future.

Tidal energy is produced by the surge of

ocean waters during the rise and fall of

Tidal
tides. Tidal energy is a renewable source
of energy. During the 20th century,
engineers developed ways to use tidal

Energy
movement to generate electricity in areas
where there is a significant tidal range—
the difference in area between high tide
and low tide. All methods use special
generators to convert tidal energy into
electricity.

Tidal energy production is still in its infancy. The amount of power produced so
far has been small. There are very few commercial-sized tidal power plants
operating in the world. The first was located in La Rance, France. The largest
facility is the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station in South Korea. The United States
has no tidal plants and only a few sites where tidal energy could be produced at
a reasonable price. China, France, England, Canada, and Russia have much
more potential to use this type of energy.

In the United States, there are legal concerns about underwater land ownership
and environmental impact. Investors are not enthusiastic about tidal energy
because there is not a strong guarantee that it will make money or benefit
consumers. Engineers are working to improve the technology of tidal energy
generators to increase the amount of energy they produce, to decrease their
impact on the environment, and to find a way to earn a profit for energy
companies.

Tidal Energy Generator

One key technology involves Tidal Stream Generators, which deploy
underwater turbines to capture the kinetic energy of moving water. These
turbines, strategically placed in areas with strong tidal currents, spin as
water flows through them, converting the kinetic energy into electrical
power. The efficiency of TSGs is contingent on their placement, ensuring
optimal exposure to tidal forces.

There are currently three different ways to get tidal energy:

A. Tidal Streams
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 B. Barrages
C. Tidal Lagoons

For most tidal energy generators, turbines are placed in tidal

A.
streams. A tidal stream is a fast-flowing body of water
created by tides. A turbine is a machine that takes energy

Tidal
from a flow of fluid. That fluid can be air (wind) or liquid
(water). Because water is much more dense than air, tidal
Stream energy is more powerful than wind energy. Unlike wind,
tides are predictable and stable. Where tidal generators are
used, they produce a steady, reliable stream of electricity.

Placing turbines in tidal streams is complex, because the machines are large and
disrupt the tide they are trying to harness. The environmental impact could be
severe, depending on the size of the turbine and the site of the tidal stream.
Turbines are most effective in shallow water. This produces more energy and
allows ships to navigate around the turbines. A tidal generator's turbine blades
also turn slowly, which helps marine life avoid getting caught in the system.

Types of Tidal Stream Generators:

1. Fans
These are close in concept to traditional
windmills, but operate under the sea.
They have most of the prototypes
currently under design, development,
testing or operations. Most of these
turbines can pivot following the
changes of the tides to harness the tidal
energy efficiently.

2. Kites
A tidal kite turbine is an
underwater kite system or
paravane that converts tidal
energy into electricity by
moving through the tidal
stream. The kite is tethered by
a cable to a fixed point. It
"flies" through the current
carrying a turbine. It moves
in a figure-eight loop to
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 increase the speed of the water flowing through the turbine tenfold. Force
increases with the cube of velocity, offering the potential to generate
1,000-fold more energy than a stationary generator.
3. Oscillating devices
Oscillating devices do not have a
rotating component, instead making use of
aerofoil sections which are pushed
sideways by the flow. Oscillating stream
power extraction was proven with the
omni- or bi-directional Wing'd Pump
windmill. During 2003 a 150 kW
oscillating hydroplane device, the
Stingray tidal stream generator, was
tested off the Scottish coast. The
Stingray uses hydrofoils to create
oscillation, which allows it to create
hydraulic power. This hydraulic power is
then used to power a hydraulic motor,
which then turns a generator.

4. Sea Snake
An offshore wave energy
converter, operating in
water depths greater than
50m. The machine consists
of a series of semi-
submerged cylindrical
sections linked by hinged
joints. As waves pass along
the length of the machine,
the sections move relative to
one another. The wave-induced motion of the sections is resisted by
hydraulic cylinders which pump high pressure oil through hydraulic
motors via smoothing hydraulic accumulators. The hydraulic motors drive
electrical generators to produce electricity.

5. Paddles
Hinged like an oyster’s shell, buoyant flaps push water through a high-
pressure pipeline to drive an onshore tubine.

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 Another type of tidal energy generator uses a large dam
called a barrage. With a barrage, water can spill over the top
or through turbines in the dam because the dam is low.
Barrages can be constructed across tidal rivers, bays, and

B. estuaries.

Barrage Turbines inside the barrage harness the power of tides the
same way a river dam harnesses the power of a river. The
barrage gates are open as the tide rises. At high tide, the
barrage gates close, creating a pool, or tidal lagoon. The
water is then released through the barrage's turbines,
creating energy at a rate that can be controlled by engineers.

The environmental impact of a barrage

system can be quite significant. The land in
the tidal range is completely disrupted. The
change in water level in the tidal lagoon
might harm plant and animal life. The salinity inside the tidal lagoon lowers,
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 which changes the organisms that are able to live there. As with dams across
rivers, fish are blocked into or out of the tidal lagoon. Turbines move quickly in
barrages, and marine animals can be caught in the blades. With their food source
limited, birds might find different places to migrate.

A barrage is a much more expensive tidal energy generator than a single turbine.
Although there are no fuel costs, barrages involve more construction and more
machines. Unlike single turbines, barrages also require constant supervision to
adjust power output.

C. The final type of tidal energy generator involves the

construction of tidal lagoons. A tidal lagoon is a body of ocean

Tidal water that is partly enclosed by a natural or manmade

barrier. Tidal lagoons might also be estuaries and have
Lagoon freshwater emptying into them.

A tidal energy generator using tidal lagoons would function

much like a barrage. Unlike barrages, however, tidal lagoons
can be constructed along the natural coastline. A tidal lagoon
power plant could also generate continuous power. The
turbines work as the lagoon is filling and emptying.

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 The environmental impact of tidal lagoons is minimal. The lagoons can be
constructed with natural materials like rock. They would appear as a low
breakwater (sea wall) at low tide, and be submerged at high tide. Animals could
swim around the structure, and smaller organisms could swim inside it. Large
predators like sharks would not be able to penetrate the lagoon, so smaller fish
would probably thrive. Birds would likely flock to the area.

But the energy output from generators using tidal lagoons is likely to be low.
There are no functioning examples yet. China is constructing a tidal lagoon power
plant at the Yalu River, near its border with North Korea. A private company is
also planning a small tidal lagoon power plant in Swansea Bay, Wales.

Advantage Highlighting the benefits of tidal energy, this section emphasizes its
predictability, reliability, and minimal greenhouse gas emissions
during operation. The discussion also touches on the high energy
density in specific geographic locations.

Tidal Predictability and Reliability:

Unlike some renewable sources, tidal energy is highly predictable, with
tide cycles influenced by lunar and solar patterns. This predictability
enhances grid stability and allows for effective energy planning. The
reliability of tidal energy ensures a consistent power supply, reducing
dependence on intermittent sources.

Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

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 Tidal energy operations exhibit minimal greenhouse gas emissions during
electricity generation. These characteristic positions tidal energy as a
cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based power generation methods,
contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

High Energy Density:

Certain coastal regions possess high energy density due to strong tidal
currents, providing an advantageous environment for tidal energy
installations. The ability to harness substantial energy from relatively
small areas makes tidal energy an attractive option for power generation
in specific geographic locations.

Dis- Examining the challenges associated with tidal energy, this

section addresses limited geographical applicability, potential
Advantage environmental impacts, and the economic obstacles related to
high upfront costs and integration into existing power grids.

Geographical Limitations:
Tidal energy's effectiveness is highly dependent on the availability of
strong tidal currents, limiting its geographical applicability. Coastal
areas with significant tidal ranges are better suited for tidal energy
installations, while inland regions may find this technology less viable.

Environmental Impact:
The deployment of tidal energy infrastructure can have environmental
consequences, affecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Changes
in water flow and turbine operation may impact fish migration
patterns and disrupt underwater habitats. Balancing energy
production goals with environmental sustainability remains a critical
consideration in tidal energy projects.

High Upfront Costs and Grid Integration Challenges:

The initial investment required for the development of tidal energy
projects is often substantial. Construction of tidal stream generators,
tidal barrages, or tidal lagoons involves engineering challenges and
significant capital expenditure. Integrating tidal energy into existing
power grids also poses challenges, as the intermittent nature of tidal
cycles requires effective grid management strategies.

Ocean Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a

distinct oceanic energy technology that capitalizes
Thermal on the temperature difference between warm
surface waters and cold deep waters.
Energy
Energy from the sun heats the surface water of the
Conversion ocean. In tropical regions, surface water can be
much warmer than deep water. This temperature
difference can be used to produce electricity and to
desalinate ocean water. OTEC systems use a
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 temperature difference of at least 20° C to power a
turbine to produce electricity. Warm surface water
is pumped through an evaporator containing a
working fluid.

The vaporized fluid drives a

turbine/generator. The vaporized
fluid is turned back to a liquid in
a condenser cooled with cold
ocean water pumped from
deeper in the ocean. OTEC
systems using seawater as the
working fluid can use the
condensed water to produce
desalinated water.

An OTEC facility continuously requires large volumes of both warm and cold
water to generate electricity. A 100 megawatt (MW) OTEC facility would likely
require 10-20 billion of gallons of water per day.

Types of OTEC
There are four (4) types of OTEC technology that will be explored in this paper.
These are:
A. Closed-Cycle OTEC System
B. Open-Cycled OTEC System
C. Hybrid OTEC System
D. Thermoelectric OTEC

Closed-cycle systems use the warm water at the ocean’s surface to vaporize a
working fluid with low-boiling point such as ammonia. The expanding vapour
rotates the turbine. Open-cycle systems actually boil the seawater by operating
at very low pressure and pass through a turbine in a Rankine thermodynamic
cycle. Hybrid systems combine closed and open-cycle designs. Thermoelectric
OTEC is still a concept where it uses a thin layer solid-states generator rather
than a working fluid. This technology is similar to thermocouples.

A. Closed-cycle systems use fluid with a low boiling point, such

as ammonia (having a boiling point around -33 °C at

Close- atmospheric pressure), to power a turbine to generate

electricity. Warm surface seawater is pumped through a
Cycle heat exchanger to vaporize the fluid. The expanding vapor
turns the turbo-generator. Cold water, pumped through a
second heat exchanger, condenses the vapor into a liquid,
which is then recycled through the system.
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 In 1979, the Natural Energy Laboratory and several private-sector partners
developed the "mini OTEC" experiment, which achieved the first successful at-
sea production of net electrical power from closed-cycle OTEC. The mini OTEC
vessel was moored 1.5 miles (2.4 km) off the Hawaiian coast and produced
enough net electricity to illuminate the ship's light bulbs and run its computers
and television.

B.
In open cycles, warm water at about 26 °C is expanded in a
low-pressure chamber (called flash), which allows to

Open-
evaporate a small fraction (around 5%). The steam produced
drives a turbine and is condensed in a low pressure chamber
Cycle by heat exchange with cold water at about 4 °C from deeper
layers of
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 the ocean. The condensate is virtually pure water, which can
be used for food.

The open cycle thus has the advantage of producing both

electricity and fresh water, but the very low expansion
ratio involves using very large turbines.

The figure above shows the cycle

operation. It involves five elements:
a flash evaporator, a turbine, a
condenser, a basin for collecting
used sea water, and a vacuum
pump. Hot water is pumped at the
surface and brought to a certain
height, then it is injected into the
evaporator in which there is a
slight depression determined by the
height of the water column between
the evaporator and the collection
basin. Because of the pressure
difference, water undergoes an
isenthalpic throttling (flash) and a
small fraction is vaporized, then
headed to the turbine.

In the condenser pressure is lower than in the evaporator, thanks to the vacuum
pump and the height of the water column between the condenser and the collection
tank. The turbine expands the steam produced in the evaporator, producing
mechanical power. The steam is then condensed by exchange with cold water,
producing fresh water. The hot and cold water mixed in the collection basin are
fed back into the sea at a depth of sixty meters.

C. An OTEC system in which both seawater and a working fluid

Hybrid are circulated.

A hybrid cycle combines the features of the closed- and open-

cycle systems. In a hybrid, warm seawater enters a vacuum
chamber and is flash-evaporated, similar to the open-cycle
evaporation process. The steam vaporizes the ammonia
working fluid of a closed-cycle loop on the other side of an
ammonia vaporizer. The vaporized fluid then drives a turbine
to produce electricity. The steam condenses within the heat
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 exchanger and provides desalinated water.

Well, the hybrid cycle combines the

best characteristics of the previously
shown processes (open cycle & closed
cycle), so that this third way is
expected to be easily penetrable on
the marketplace. Actually, it was
conceived as a response of some
marketing studies. However, it is to
be yet tested and works just
theoretically.

Hybrid cycles combine the drinkable

water generation capabilities of open
cycles with the potential for large
electricity production capabilities
offered by the closed cycles.

Warm sea water (which comes from

the surface of the ocean) enters a
vacuum chamber where it is flash-evaporated. After that, this steam arrives to a
heat exchanger where it will play the role of a warm fluid and will be used to
warm the working fluid, which works in a closed loop. Usually, ammonia is used
as this working fluid (it has good transport properties, it´s easily available and, in
addition, it is a low-cost fluid. The negative point is that it is toxic and flammable).
Other options are fluorinated carbons, such as CFCs and HCFCs or hydrocarbons.

Once heated and evaporated, the working fluid vapor flows through a closed-cycle
power loop. At this point, the ammonia is used to turn a turbine which connected
to an electricity generator, supplies the customers with electric power. After that,
the ammonia is condensed using cold sea water for it (from the deepest ocean
waters). The non-condensables are then compressed and discharged to the
atmosphere.

D. The thermoelectric OTEC is a concept of simple system that

Thermo uses a thin layer solid-state generator rather than a working

fluid. Consequently, no evaporator, condensor, working fluid
electric pump, pressure vessel, or turbogenerator is required. A
compact heat exchanger is used to transmit heat through the
OTEC thermoelectric generator.

Thermoelectric generation makes use of a bulk phenomenon,

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 the Seebeck effect (the same phenomenon that makes a
thermocouple operate). A temperature gradient across any
material tends to drive charge carriers from the hot side to
the cold side and produce a voltage, V, which is proportional
to the temperature difference. The proportionality constant,
the Seebeck coefficient, is a characteristic of the material used.

Unlike the closed-cycle OTEC designs,

the thermoelectric OTEC is forgiving.
For example, a corrosion pit which
would shut down an ammonia OTEC
module (because of concern for
accelerated corrosion and/or scaling)
would damage only a small number
of thermoelectric elements; it would
not diminish the power output from
the affected power module
perceptibly and would not require
repair. One of the consequences of
this forgiving design is that only
minimal corrosion tolerances need be
used in the heat exchanger.

The thermoelectric generator device is a novel design which makes use of thick-
film technology already well developed in the electronics industry. The
thermoelectric. material could be deposited on the copper base as a paste by
lithographic techniques and fired in place to form a durable coating; a suitable
pottant could be added to fill the interstices, and finally the cover plate could be
soldered in place. All of these steps are amenable to automation.

The particularly simple design of the thermoelectric power modules suggests that
they my be suitable for large-scale, automated mass production. This possibility is
in contrast to the present tube-in-shell heat exchanger designs for closed cycle
OTEC, which require expensive, labor intensive assembly.

Advantage Highlighting the advantages of OTEC, this section emphasizes continuous

and stable energy production, absence of fuel consumption or emissions
during operation, and the potential for additional benefits such as
desalination and nutrient-rich water production.

Continuous and Stable Energy Production:

OTEC offers the advantage of continuous and stable energy production
throughout the day and night. The temperature gradient between surface
and deep seawater remains relatively constant, providing a reliable
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 source of thermal energy for electricity generation. This stability
contributes to grid reliability and reduces dependence on intermittent
energy sources.

No Fuel Consumption or Emissions:

During OTEC operation, no fuel is consumed, and no direct emissions are
generated. The process relies on the temperature difference in the ocean,
making it a clean and sustainable energy source. This characteristic
aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
transition towards environmentally friendly energy solutions.

Potential for Desalination and Nutrient-Rich Water

Production:
In addition to electricity generation, OTEC systems have the potential to
address other critical needs. The temperature difference utilized in OTEC
can facilitate desalination processes, providing freshwater in regions
facing water scarcity. Furthermore, the nutrient-rich deep seawater
brought to the surface during OTEC operation can support aquaculture
and enhance marine ecosystems.

Dis- Examining the challenges associated with OTEC, this section discusses
limited efficiency due to small temperature gradients, high upfront

Advantage costs, complex engineering challenges, and environmental concerns

related to the extraction of deep cold water.

Limited Efficiency due to Small Temperature Gradients:

The efficiency of OTEC systems is influenced by the temperature
gradient between warm surface waters and cold deep waters. In
regions with small temperature differences, OTEC systems may exhibit
reduced efficiency, impacting overall electricity generation. Identifying
suitable locations with optimal temperature differentials is crucial for
maximizing the effectiveness of OTEC.

High Upfront Costs and Complex Engineering Challenges:

OTEC projects often face high upfront costs associated with the
construction of infrastructure, including the installation of pipelines
and heat exchangers. Additionally, the engineering challenges involved
in designing and implementing OTEC systems, especially in deep
waters, contribute to the overall complexity and cost of these projects.

Environmental Concerns related to Cold-Water Extraction:

The extraction of cold water from the ocean depths as part of the OTEC
process can raise environmental concerns. Discharging nutrient-rich
deep seawater near the surface may impact marine ecosystems,
potentially leading to changes in marine biodiversity. Balancing the
potential environmental impacts with the benefits of OTEC requires
careful consideration and environmental monitoring.

Comparisons Fossil Fuels:

Tidal energy and OTEC offer advantages over fossil fuels, primarily in
with other terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
Fossil fuel combustion contributes significantly to climate change, air
Energy pollution, and resource depletion. Tidal energy and OTEC, being
renewable and harnessing oceanic forces, represent cleaner alternatives

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 Resources with lower carbon footprints.

Solar and Wind Energy:

Comparing to solar and wind energy, tidal and OTEC exhibit advantages
in terms of predictability and reliability. Solar and wind energy are
intermittent, dependent on weather conditions, whereas tidal cycles and
the temperature gradient in OTEC provide consistent energy sources.
Additionally, the energy density in specific tidal locations surpasses that
of solar and wind resources.

Hydropower:
Hydropower shares similarities with tidal energy in harnessing the
kinetic energy of moving water. However, tidal energy faces fewer
geographical constraints, as it is not limited to rivers and can be
harnessed along coastlines globally. OTEC, while not directly comparable
to hydropower, offers continuous energy production without the need for
large reservoirs.

Global
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction:
The adoption of tidal energy and OTEC contributes significantly to the
Impact on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By replacing conventional
fossil fuel-based power generation, these technologies offer a cleaner
Climate and more sustainable energy alternative. This transition aligns with
global efforts to mitigate climate change and decrease reliance on
Change carbon-intensive energy sources.

Mitigation of Climate Change:

The integration of tidal energy and OTEC into the energy mix plays a
crucial role in mitigating climate change. The reduction in greenhouse
gas emissions aids in stabilizing global temperatures and minimizing
the adverse effects associated with climate change, such as sea-level
rise, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.

International Collaboration:
Harnessing oceanic power for energy generation requires
international collaboration. Coastal regions around the world can
benefit from these technologies, and sharing knowledge, expertise, and
resources is essential for global progress. International agreements
and partnerships can accelerate the deployment of tidal energy and
OTEC on a broader scale, contributing to a collective effort in
combating climate change.

Challenges
Overcoming Technical and Environmental Challenges:
The widespread adoption of tidal energy and OTEC faces challenges,
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 and Future including technological advancements to enhance efficiency,
environmental impact mitigation, and overcoming engineering obstacles.
Perspectives Research and development efforts must focus on addressing these
challenges to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of these
technologies.

Continued Research, Development, and Innovation:

The future of tidal energy and OTEC hinges on continuous research,
development, and innovation. Advancements in turbine technology,
materials science, and system optimization can enhance energy
conversion efficiency and reduce costs. Innovations in environmental
monitoring and mitigation strategies are essential for minimizing the
impact on marine ecosystems.

Conclusion As the world strives for clean and sustainable energy

solutions, tidal energy and OTEC emerge as promising
contributors. Despite challenges, their technical
advancements and global cooperation potential can
significantly aid in the fight against climate change and
global warming. Tidal energy's predictability, reliability,
and minimal emissions, coupled with OTEC's continuous
and stable energy production, offer valuable alternatives to
traditional energy sources. International collaboration is
key to unlocking the full potential of these oceanic energy
sources, as they align with global efforts to transition
towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly
energy future. Further research, development, and
investment are imperative to overcome challenges, enhance
efficiency, and ensure the widespread adoption of tidal
energy and OTEC on a global scale. This paper serves as a
foundation for ongoing discourse and action towards a
cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

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Thank You!