O C E A N E N E R G Y
THERMAL ENERGY
MECHANICAL ENERGY
This energy is from the sun's heat. Because oceans cover more than 70% of Earth's surface, it soaks up the heat from the sun.
Difference in temperature between the warm surface layer and cold deep water creates fairly constant thermal energy.
This type of energy is used for electricity generation: closed-cycle, open-cycle, and hybrid.
This energy is from the predictable tides and waves.
These tides are driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and waves are driven by the winds.
Although predictable, these intermittent sources of energy both involve mechanical devices:
A barrage (dam) converts tidal energy into electricity by forcing the water through turbines, activating a generator.
Wave conversion has three basic systems: channel system, float systems and oscillating water column systems.
mechanical power created activates a generator or transfers to a working fluid, water, or air and then drives a turbine/generator
WHERE IS THIS TECHNOLOGY USED?
Generally, this type of technology will only be of use and will only benefit those who are near the source, which are the people who live along the coasts, with an abundance in wave power. Some examples would be: the western coasts of Scotland, N. Canada, S. Africa, Australia and N.W Coast of the US (Alaska) .
WHY NOT COMMONLY USED?
Although it's natural, ocean energy competes with fossil fuel energy sectors in many countries and in order to work, the ocean energy industry is needs to be given assistance from governments in its early stages of development.
Simply put, ocean energy costs a lot more and needs more time whereas fossil fuels are much easier.