Ocean energy

Explanation Text
By: Rana Sumerler

Ocean energy is a source of renewable energy. Renewable energy is energy that you can keep using like solar energy; you can never run out of the sun. Ocean energy is a powerful source of energy and will never run out.

How does ocean energy work?

People who work for the energy companies for ocean energy build something called a barrage. A barrage is an object that makes the energy. The companies make a water fan to have waves and when the waves hit the barrage it captures the air and puts it in a turbine and turns it into energy.
This is one of the top ten largest barrages. It is found in Indonesia.

This is an under-water fan to make waves for the ocean energy to work.

Diagram to show how waves make compressed air that makes the turbine spin.

Ocean energy is caused because of wind and the gravitational forces of the moon. The wind impacts on the surface of water and its waves to be generated. Because of the gravitational forces of the moon it creates tides to make energy from the ocean.

The moon and surface of the water is making waves for ocean energy.

How does ocean energy produce electricity?

Our oceans and seas have two types of energy. One, thermal energy from the suns heat and the second one is mechanical energy from the tides and waves. Our oceans in the world cover more than 70 % of the world. Oceans can be the biggest and friendliest collectors. The way ocean energy produces energy is when electricity generators are placed on the surface of the oceans or seas. Wherever the barrages are put, there should be an ocean with waves and tides.

Why is ocean energy the way it is?

Ocean energy is a good source of energy that helps our planet in a good way. Ocean energy could power 15 % of each country if all of the countrys had them. The ocean and atmosphere are connected together. Together the two make freshwater around the globe. It will not harm our earth in any way.

Why does ocean energy not power as much houses as fossil fuels do?
Our oceans, tides and waves have been going on for years. Scientists from around the globe are currently trying to figure out the best way to harness ocean energy. With the push towards clean, renewable sources of power and growing concern about climate change, fresh attention is being focused on the enormous power potential of the world oceans. Right now fossil fuels have not run out, so the world is now more about fossil fuels.

Why is ocean energy not as well-known as other sources?

Ocean energy is not well known to people because its related to wind power and wind power is not used so much. Wave power converts the energy released in crashing waves, which originated in the wind but, because wind energy doesnt work that well and isnt known to people that well, ocean energy isnt either.

How is ocean energy used to make our society better?

If humanity is going to move away from fossil fuels, then a new range of options from the oceans will have to be tapped. Ocean energy is also known as Marine energy. Marine energy encompasses engineering technologies, such as tidal and wave power; that harness the movements of the ocean to create electricity and power. In conclusion ocean energy is a promising resource. It will not harm or hurt our earth in anyway. Ocean energy is not expensive. Ocean energy is a renewable source and a renewable source is eco-friendly to our world!

Citations:
Renewable energy (Book) www.renewableenergyworld.com www.ask.com www.en.wikipedia.org www.alternative-energy-news.info www.takepart.com www.energyquest.ca.gov www.enviorment.about.com www.conserve-energy-future.com www.ourworld.unu.edu www.windows.state.tx.us www.altenenergy.org

The ocean can save us money because the barrages are cheap.