Tidal energy is very simple. Energy is generated from tides flowing in, and then generated again from them flowing back out again. When a tide comes in, it spins a turbine in one direction , generating electricity. When the tide recedes the turbine spins in the opposite direction generating more energy. One downside to tidal energy is that tides aren't everywhere. Coastal populations could seriously benefit from this type of energy but inland in say, Iowa, we are out of luck.
Tidal Buoys - This shows how one type of tidal energy generator can work. The waves bounce the buoys up and down in the water, pushing and pulling the pistons in order to pump water into a hydro-electric turbine.
Tidal energy is very simple. Energy is generated from tides flowing in, and then generated again from them flowing back out again. When a tide comes in, it spins a turbine in one direction , generating electricity. When the tide recedes the turbine spins in the opposite direction generating more energy. One downside to tidal energy is that tides aren't everywhere. Coastal populations could seriously benefit from this type of energy but inland in say, Iowa, we are out of luck.
