Tidal forces are a result of periodic variations in the gravitational attraction exerted by both the sun and moon together with the centrifugal forces associated with the rotation of the earth.
Tidal characteristics are mainly influenced by bathymetric conditions, coastline morphology and current directions. In some specific regions, high tidal ranges can result in strong currents, which are the basis for the ANDRITZ HYDRO Hammerfest technology, allowing highly predictable and reliable energy generation.
The forces produced by the tides can be basically used to generate electricity in two different ways:
Potential energy
Energy from a water head is called potential energy. By using pressure turbines, this energy can be converted into electrical power.
Typical examples are tidal barrages, which make use of the potential energy available from the difference in head between high and low tides.
Kinetic energy
The kinetic energy of moving water can be converted into electrical power by using tidal turbines. This form of energy yield is the basis of our technology.
The turbines are placed in areas with high tidal movements, and are designed to capture the kinetic motion of the ebbing and surging of ocean tides producing strong bidirectional currents that can be converted into electrical power. Unlike barrage-type systems, this technology does not require the construction of a barrier across a waterway, and hence does not have any of the adverse environmental effects associated with such developments.