How practical would an ocean-faring tide-powered electric generator be?

Question

I don't mean the kind of generator that is based on the shore, but I'm referring to something along the lines of a "buoy". Connected to the sea floor by a sliding cable or rod of some sort (even a simple anchor would do) that runs through its center, the up & down tides would generate tons of electricity. Such buoy generators wouldn't need to be very far off shore, and could transmit electricity to the mainland either via some type of microwave beam or other laser transmission. It seems like a ridiculously easy and inexpensive concept. Has it not been thought of or is there just an element to it I'm not seeing that would make it an impractical idea? At the very least, some ocean-faring vessels could use this method to generate power for themselves - like sandbags hanging over the side, anchored cables with sliding buoy generators constantly jostled about by the ocean - a vessel so equipped would surely need less gas, wouldn't it?

Answer 1

very practical,  its already been done, just not in usa

Answer 2

There is a lot of serious research in motion,I am sure that they will come to the fore when it will be deemed the time to act on their potential.

Answer 3

I just reread your question. The device that you are talking about is best aimed at waves, not tidal variations.

It is a good idea. It's  being researched. They mainly focus on temperature differences, tidal changes, and waves. The technology is still a bit behind wind power, but it's getting there.

http://peswiki.com/energy/Directory:Ocea...

http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chap...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6450...

Answer 4

Wave powered generators are being developed. They would be practical for coastal areas....where most of the worlds population lives.

Answer 5

This technology, a linear wave pump generator already exists, and has been used successfully near La Hague in France. The method is referred to by engineers as the bobbing ducks principle.

The prototype is France is not large, but for about ten years provided half the power to a town of ten thousand people.

However, the most promising ocean born power source is something else: it is called ocean thermal conversion, and works on the principle of the rapid temperature differential in deep ocean water. Several dynamic thermal generators were built and tested by the TRW company in the gulf of Mexico in the mid seventies... and they worked quite well.

The sad truth is that there are many fine, proven, clean and efficient sources of power available to coastal locations, and there are plenty available for inland locations, and truly we could be generating electricity for everyone by simply creating a mixed energy infrastructure.

But, if a company as powerful as TRW couldn't find a way to sell a great idea 40 years ago, you can be sure that the political clout of the oil, gas and nuclear lobbies is going to keep us dependent on only them.

That's why you have the old energy aristocracy (Ceney, Bush) running your government.

To hold on to their own power, literally.

Answer 6

Since the tide only moves a little bit - 0-132 (bay of fundy, Canada) feet in 12 hours it wouldn't be practical.   Waves can move a couple feet up and down every minute or so, so would be a better choice.

Answer 7

Very old Idea. Been researched for years. Both tide and wave generators.