How Does a Tidal Power Station Use the Ocean?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does a tidal power station use the ocean?

The Big Idea

The ocean rises and falls twice every day. That is the tide, and it has a lot of energy. Let's see how to use it!

Moon-Powered Tides

Step one: Moon-powered tides. Tides rise and fall twice a day because of the Moon's pull. A tidal power station catches this motion.

Barrier or Turbines

Step two: barriers and turbines. Some build a barrier across a bay and let water flow through turbines as the tide comes in and goes out. Others place underwater turbines in fast tidal currents, like underwater windmills.

Record Tides

Step three: record tides. The Bay of Fundy in Canada has the highest tides in the world. A tidal station in France has been making electricity since nineteen sixty-six.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The Moon pulls the sea. The tide rises. Water flows through turbines. It flows again when the tide falls.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Remember, a tidal station in France has been making electricity since nineteen sixty-six. The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world. Tides come twice a day. Turbines can turn as the water flows both in and out.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Fill a bathtub or a big basin with a grown-up. Let the water slosh in and out through a small paddle wheel. Watch how it spins as the water moves. Does it spin both ways? Write down what you notice, and share it with a grown-up.

Outro

A tidal power station uses the rise and fall of the sea, caused by the Moon, to spin turbines and make electricity. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!