Julio Morales Period 3

 When we start to think about energy we immediately jump to the “easiest” solution which would be drilling for oil and natural gas.  But there is one energy producing method that will never stop which is being able to use the waves in the ocean and use that energy to power all of our needs.  There are 2 ways in which we can capture waves efficiently, both ways are determined on the type of structure. One of the structures is a Caisson, and the other option is a bit more creative which involves a series of buoys.

 So to capture these waves you would build a Caisson, and inside this building there would be waves crashing at the walls.  After building the Caisson then you will need a generator, and that’s going to do must of the work. The generator will be in charge of actually collecting the energy from the waves.

 Just imagine if these buoys had rods going from the top of them straight to the bottom, and all of them are connected to a huge wheel.  And as the buoys go up and down the crank the wheel, and as the wheel spins it powers the generator to make energy.

 Tides can be used for energy, but there is one problem which is that the tide needs to be 10 feet or over. But to generate energy there has to be a 2 way dam.  When the tide rises it powers and spins the turbine which powers the generator and then it produces energy.  As you can see in the picture, the tide needs to be pretty high so it can have an impact.

 This is another type of renewable energy, but this one does not involve waves or tides, but instead the energy trapped in the upper layers of sea water.  The process involves heating up the ammonia in the sea water, which turns into a gas which then drives a turbine to power a generator.  Then it cools down and its returned to the water and the process keeps repeating itself over and over again.

 One big problem is that none of these solutions are commercially viable, meaning the money to start this is too much and the end result doesn’t produce much in return for companies.  The most plausible one has to be the tidal idea, but it causes more problems to the environment because of construction, and it changes everything from the flow of nutrients and the spread of water.  Lastly, Thermal gradient sounds like a great idea but it doesn’t work as good because its really inefficient.

 6) What resources do we get from seawater? What products are they used for?  7)What Is phosphorite and what is it used for? Why will terrestrial sources be the primary sources for phosphorite?  8) What potential resources exist at hydothermal vents and in marine muds? Explain which of these resources is a strategic metal and why?  9) What physical marine resources are second only to gas and oil in terms of their annual economic value?  10) Describe three ways the ocean can supply renewable energy. Which of these has proved most practical? Why?