Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth. That being said, they are the world's largest solar collectors. Oceans can produce two types of energy; thermal energy, from the sun's heat, and mechanical energy, from the tide and waves. With so much surface area, more sun can hit it, providing more energy. However, mechanical energy is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon, and wind, which makes it less consistent. So, is Ocean Energy, really the answer to our current energy crisis?
Thermal Energy depends a lot on the temperature. The warmer it is, the more Thermal Energy is produced. It also depends on how much of a substance there is. In the case of Ocean Energy, it could be very helpful since there is a lot of it.When converting into energy, there are three main types of systems used; the closed-cycle, open-cycle and the hybrid. The closed-cycle uses the ocean's surface water. This vaporizes a working fluid. This vapor expands and turns a generator, providing energy. The open-cycle boils the water which creates a steam. This steam passes through the generator. The hybrid system is a combination of both. Thermal Energy is much different than Mechanical Energy.Mechanical Energy is primarily effected by the wind, which causes the waves, and the gravitational pull from the moon, causing the tide.Unlike Thermal Energy, Mechanical Energy usually requires more mechanical devices then Thermal Energy. I think that Ocean Energy is not a viable alternative to our current energy crisis. This is because of it's consistency. Although Thermal Energy is fairly constant, Mechanical Energy is not.This makes it an unreliable source.
Dumas, Leila, and William G. Lamb. Forces, motion, and energy. Austin: Holt, Rinehart And Winston, 2007. Print.
"Programs & Services | World Ocean Observatory." Programs & Services | World Ocean Observatory. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2011. <http://thew2o.net>.
I like how it talks about the different type of energies made by water and wind. It was very interesting and fun to read.
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