1. Ocean Energy
Student Work

2. How is it produced?
There are three common ways to convert ocean energy.
The channel system: water is funneled into a reservoir converting tidal energy into electricity
The float system: water is pushed into hydraulic pumps to create electricity
The oscillating water column system: uses waves to compress air within a container creating electricity
For each of these systems the water either directly activate or transfers water that then drives the turbines

3. Where is it produced? In the US:
Most of the power produced by changing tides is in Maine and Alaska
Thermal energy is limited to tropical regions like Hawaii
Wave energy is used most along the West Coast, but smaller amounts of energy are produced along the East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico
Worldwide:
The UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the
Netherlands, South Korea, New Zealand,
China, Italy, and Spain are the top ten
producers of ocean energy

4. What Are Its Uses?
Most wave energy systems are small but are used to power warning buoys and lighthouses.
Tidal energy is created in dams and one use is to turn water wheels to mill grain.
One tidal plant in France, La Rance Station, has 240 megawatts and makes enough energy to power 240,000 homes. This is over ten times the power of the next largest tidal station, the Canadian Annapolis Station, at 17 megawatts.

5. What Are Its Uses? (cont.)
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) comes from differences in surface and deep water temperature (at least a 38 degree difference in Fahrenheit) and is being demonstrated in Hawaii.
Wave power is also used by desalination plants, power plants, and water pumps.
The energy output of a wave is determined by its height, speed, wavelength, and water density.

6. Pros and Cons Pros: Power density is 800 times stronger than wind
More predictable source of energy than wind and solar
Less capital cost per unit than other reusable energy sources
Ocean currents can directly displace 24/7 nuclear plants
Cons:
The waves are a variable
Unknown operation and maintenance costs
Too many designs are competing for funding due to lack of consensus
Government support is insufficient for widespread commercialization

7. THE END