NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES 18ME651

SINGLE BASIN ARRANGEMENT

The general arrangement of a single basin system is shown above. Since only one basin interacts
with the sea, power can be generated at regular intervals. A dam separates basin and sea. The
power house is installed inside the dam. During High Tide, i.e., when the sea level rises, the
turbine valves are opened and the sea water flows into the basin through the turbine generating
power. The power is generated till the level of sea water and basin is equal. The water is allowed
to pass into the basin, till the level reaches its maximum position. During low tide, the level of
basin is more than the level of seawater. After attaining sufficient head, the turbine valves are

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opened and water flows from basin to sea through the turbine generating power. Tidal power
plants normally use reversible water turbines, such that power is generated in both the
directions.

DOUBLE BASIN ARRANGEMENT

In a double basin tidal power plant, two basins at different levels are made, and a dam is
provided in between them. Inlet and outlet sluice gates are made in the dam. The water level in
the upper basin is maintained above the level of water in the lower basin.

The upper basin is filled with water during high tide, and the lower basin is evacuated during the
low tide. Therefore, a permanent head is produced between the upper and lower basins.

When a sufficient head is created, the turbines of the power plant are started. The water flows
from the upper basin to the turbine, which discharges into the lower basin, and electrical power is
generated.

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When the water level in the upper basin is maximum during high tide, the inlet sluice is closed,
and the level of the water in lower basin keeps on rising due to the discharge of water by the
turbine.

When the level of water in the lower basin equals during the low tide, the outlet sluice is opened,
and it is closed when the water level reaches up to its minimum level. In this system, the power
can be produced continuously during the emptying and filling of basins.

ADVANTAGES OF TIDAL POWER PLANT

1. It is independent of rain, and inexhaustible.

2. Large area of valuable land is not required.

3. When a tidal power plant works in combination with thermal or hydro-electric power
plant, peak powerdemand can be met effectively.
4. Free from pollution.

DISADVANTAGES OF TIDAL POWER PLANT

1. Power generation is not uniform.

2. Life of turbines reduces due to corrosive seawater.
3. Construction of dams in sea is difficult.
4. The power transmission cost is high as it is located away from load centres.
5. The plant efficiency is not uniform.
6. Sedimentation and siltation of basins.

Ocean thermal energy conversion:

Thermal Energy Conversion is an energy technology, which uses the ocean„s natural temperature
gradient to drive a turbine, which is connected to a generator. It is desirable that the temperature
difference between the warm surface water and the cold deep water be at least 20 C.

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