How tidal power generators capture energy from the natural ebb and flow of the oceans

Tidal stream: horizontal axis device

Similar to a wind turbine. The tidal stream turns rotor blades to generate power

Horizontal axis turbine

Tidal stream

Rotor blades

Tidal stream: vertical axis turbine

Uses two scoop-shaped blades rotating on a vertical axis to harness energy

Vertical axis turbine

Tidal stream

Tidal kite

Kite ‘flies’ at speed in the tidal stream forcing water through a turbine fixed under its wing

Tidal kite

Turbine under wing

Figure

of eight

motion

Tidal stream

Tether

Tidal lagoons and barrage turbines

Installed in a sea-wall or tidal barrage, these can be reversible to generate power from incoming and outgoing tides

Walkway

Flow accelerates

through funnel

Lagoon

wall

Lagoon

empties

Turbine

Tidal stream: horizontal axis device

Tidal stream: vertical axis turbine

Similar to a wind turbine. The tidal stream turns rotor blades to generate power

Uses two scoop-shaped blades rotating on a vertical axis to harness energy

Horizontal axis turbine

Vertical axis turbine

Tidal stream

Tidal stream

Rotor blades

Tidal kite

Tidal lagoons and barrage turbines

Kite ‘flies’ at speed in the tidal stream forcing water through a turbine fixed under its wing

Installed in a sea-wall or tidal barrage, these can be reversible to generate power from incoming and outgoing tides

Walkway

Flow accelerates

through funnel

Tidal kite

Turbine under wing

Lagoon

wall

Figure

of eight

motion

Tidal stream

Lagoon

empties

Turbine

Tether