The Earth’s largest and most constant source of energy is held in the enormous mass of the oceans as they are dragged across the surface of the Earth by the wind and the gravitational pull of the Moon. The two modes of the ocean movement are the continuous motion of the waves and the periodic changing of the tides. Different techniques are used to exploit those modes for power generation.
Wave power
Gully generators utilize the almost unceasing motion of the waves to generate power. A concrete chamber built on the shore is open at the sea end so that the water level inside the chamber moves up and down with each successive wave. The air above the water is alternately compressed and decompressed, driving a turbine that is connected to a generator.
Tidal power
Tidal barrages use the difference between water levels at high and low tide to generate electricity. They are constructed across the mouths of of tidal estuaries. When the tide is rising, water is allowed through the barrage, filling the estuary behind it. As the tide falls, floodgates are closed and a head of water builds up behind the barrage. Water is than allowed to flow back to the sea, driving turbines that are connected to generators as it does so.
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