1.

Wave energy converters (WECs) are devices that convert the kinetic and potential
energy associated with a moving ocean wave into useful mechanical or electrical
energy.
2. Tidal energy or tidal power is a form of renewable energy
obtained due to alternating sea levels. The kinetic energy from
the natural rise and fall of tides is harnessed and converted into
electricity. Tides are caused by the combined gravitational forces
of the moon, sun, and earth. However, tides are influenced most
by the moon. The moon’s gravitational force is so strong that it
tugs the ocean into a bulge. The high and low tides create tidal
currents, which are essential in the generation of this kind of
energy, mostly prevalent in coastal areas.
Tidal energy is created using the movement of our tides and
oceans, where the intensity of the water from the rise and fall of tides is a
form of kinetic energy. Tidal power surrounds gravitational hydropower,
which uses the movement of water to push a turbine to generate electricity.
The turbines are likened to wind turbines, except they are positioned
underwater.

3. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a process or technology for producing energy
by harnessing the temperature differences (thermal gradients) between ocean surface
waters and deep ocean waters

1.a. types wave energy conversion

Oscillating Water Columns
1. The functioning of the oscillating water columns (OWCs) is somewhat similar to that of a
wind turbine, being based on the principle of wave induced air pressurization. The device is
set upon a closed air chamber, which is placed above the water. The passage of waves
changes the water level within the closed housing and the rising and falling water level
increases and decreases the air pressure within the housing introducing a bidirectional air
flow. By placing a turbine on top of this chamber air will pass in and out of it with the
changing air pressure levels

Overtopping Devices
2. Another type of wave energy converter is the overtopping device, which operates somewhat
similar to a hydroelectric dam. Its floating arms focus waves onto a slope from which the
 wave overtops into a reservoir. The resulting difference in water elevation between the
reservoir and the mean sea level then drives low-head hydro turbines.

Wave absorbing devices

Point absorbers

Point absorber are buoy-type wave energy converters (WECs) that harvest incoming wave-energy
from all directions. They are placed offshore at the ocean surface or just below. A vertically
submerged floater absorbs wave energy which is converted by a piston or linear generator into
electricity.
Terminators
Terminators consist of flaps that rotate with the wave orbital motion around an axis parallel to the
wave front.

1.b. types tidal energy conversion

1. Tidal Turbines
Tidal turbines utilize the same technology as wind turbines. The only
difference is that the blades of tidal turbines are way stronger and
shorter. So, the best way to compare tidal turbines is underwater
windmills. Ideally, the water currents turn the turbine. The turbine is
connected to a generator through a shaft. So, when the turbine turns,
the shaft also turns.

2. Tidal Barrages
Tidal Barrages are the most efficient tidal energy technologies. They
resemble dams used in hydropower plants. The difference is they are a
lot bigger since they are constructed across a Bay or an Estuary. For
the barrage to be able to produce power, the tidal range, which is the
difference between low and high tide, has to be more than 5 meters.

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As the tide enters the system, ocean or seawater flows via the dam
into the basin. When the tides subside, the system’s gates close,
trapping the water in the estuary or basin. When the tides start to
move out, the gates in the dam that consist of turbines open up, and
water begins to flow out, hitting the turbines, which eventually turn to
produce energy. Construction of tidal barrages involves high upfront
capital costs, plus they have devastating effects on the local
environment.

3. Tidal lagoons
This technology has a lot in common with tidal barrages. It’s just that it
doesn’t involve a lot of initial capital outlay, and it’s friendly to the
environment. A tidal lagoon is a power station separated from the rest
of the ocean or sea. Its functionality is similar to tidal barrage since
when the tide goes up, the lagoon completely fills up. When the tide
subsides, the water is allowed to drain out through an
opening consisting of turbines. The outward flow of water turns the
turbine, which generates energy.

1.C. TYPES OTEC

3. A closed cycle OTEC plant employs a thermodynamic fluid such as ammonia or a
refrigerant like freon. This is contained in a completely closed system including the plant
turbine. Hot surface seawater is used to evaporate the fluid and the vapour is then
exploited to drive the turbine. The vapour from the turbine exhaust is condensed using
the cold, deep ocean water, and returned to the beginning of the cycle where it can be
reheated
In an open cycle OTEC system the seawater itself is used to provide the
thermodynamic fluid. Warm seawater is expanded rapidly in a partially evacuated
chamber where some of it 'flashes' to steam. This steam is then used to drive a steam
turbine. From the exhaust of the turbine, the vapour is condensed using cold seawater.
The vapour produced by flashing warm seawater is at a relatively low pressure so it
requires a very large turbine to operate effectively. One of the major advantages of
the open cycle system is that the water condensed from the turbine exhaust is fresh, not
salt water, and so the plant can also serve as a source of drinking water as well as
electricity