Make tidal energy systems more efficient

Tidal or hydrokinetic energy is a type of renewable electricity generated by the movement of bodies of water. Modern mechanisms are more reliable and efficient than older hydroelectric methods, such as dams, which use vertical height and volume of water to spin a turbine and generate power. Recently, engineers have developed ways to capture the powerful, highly concentrated energy resource of flows, currents, and swells.

The mechanism used to extract kinetic energy from water is similar to how a wind turbine extracts energy from moving air. The current of water or the hydrodynamic rise of the tides turns the rotor blades which are connected to a generator to convert the rotational energy into electricity. However, unlike wind, the flow of water is much more predictable and powerful, providing a constant and reliable flow of clean energy.