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Flashcards in Renewable Energy Sources Deck (16)
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1
Q

What is wave power?

A

Lots of small wave-powered turbines located around the coast.

2
Q

How does the sea drive a generator?

A

The waves come in to the shore they provide an up and down motion which is used to drive a generator.

3
Q

What is a negative about wave power?

A

It spoils the view and its dangerous to boats.

Unreliable as waves tend to die out when wind drops.

4
Q

What is a positive about wave power?

A

There’s no pollution.

5
Q

What is the initial cost for wave power?

A

Initial costs are high.
No fuel costs .
Minimal running costs.

6
Q

Overall how effective is wave power?

A

Its never likely to provide energy on a large scale.

But very useful on small islands.

7
Q

What are tidal barrages?

A

Big dams built across river estuaries with turbines in them.

8
Q

How do tidal barrages work?

A

As the tide comes in it fills up the estuary to a height of several metres also driving the turbines.
This water can be allowed out through the turbines at a controlled speed.

9
Q

In tidal barrages what is the source of the energy?

A

The gravity of the sun and the moon.

10
Q

What are negatives about tidal barrages?

A

They prevent free access by boats.
Spoil the view.
Alternate the habitats of wildlife.

11
Q

What are positives about tidal barrages?

A

No pollution.

Reliable - happen twice a day without fail alway near the predicted height.

12
Q

Why is it bad that the height of tide is variable?

A

Lower tides = provide less energy.

13
Q

When do tidal barrages not work?

A

When the water level is the same either side of the barrage.

Happen 4 times a day because of the tides.

14
Q

What are tidal barrages excellent for doing?

A

Storing energy ready for periods of peak demand.

15
Q

What are the costs like for tidal barrages?

A

Initial costs are moderately high.
No fuel costs.
Minimal running costs/

16
Q

Overall how effective are tidal barrages?

A

They can only be used i some of the most suitable estuaries, It has the potential for generating a significant amount of energy.