What Is the Tidal Barrage Basin Potential Energy & Power Calculator?
A tidal barrage operates like a low-head hydroelectric dam across a tidal estuary, capturing ocean water during flood tide and generating electricity during ebb discharge.
How Does the Tidal Barrage Basin Potential Energy & Power Calculator Work?
Total mass of impounded water (rho * A * R) has its center of gravity at R/2; integrating hydrostatic energy yields E = 0.5 * rho * g * A * R^2.
Tidal Barrage Basin Potential Energy & Power Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
E = rac{1}{2}
ho g A R^2 eta quad [ ext{Joules/tide}], quad P_{ ext{avg}} = rac{E}{T_{ ext{tide}}} quad (T_{ ext{tide}} approx 44,712 ext{ s})
Theoretical potential energy and average continuous power extracted from an enclosed tidal basin.
How to Use the Tidal Barrage Basin Potential Energy & Power Calculator
- Input mean tidal range in meters, enclosed basin area in km², and turbine efficiency.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
La Rance / Severn Estuary Style Tidal Basin
Input Values:
tidalRangeM:7.2
basinAreaKm2:25
turbineEfficiency:0.88
Worked Steps: Potential energy = 5.73 TJ per cycle, Average continuous power = 128.2 MW, Annual generation = 1,121 GWh.
Understanding Your Result
Displays continuous average power in MW, potential energy per tide in GJ/TJ, and total annual electricity output in GWh.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Power scales with the square of tidal range; estuaries with range R > 5 to 7 meters are commercially viable.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Evaluating tidal barrage feasibility (e.g. La Rance, Sihwa Lake, Severn Estuary), ocean energy planning, and marine civil engineering.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes vertical basin walls (constant surface area A across the tidal range) and ebb generation mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard ocean energy potential formulation.