Tidal energy accumulator - Feasibility?

[billvon]

I like this in principle as it is maintenance free low cost to build and has no moving parts.

Well it has a turbine of course.

This is a common method of tidal energy harvesting. Some problems:
1) Dirt/floating debris
2) Power is only available during low tides (a few hours, when the cachement is full and the tide is at its lowest)
3) Need a large cachement for significant power generation

 

[Quantum Quack]

Well it has a turbine of course.

This is a common method of tidal energy harvesting. Some problems:
1) Dirt/floating debris
2) Power is only available during low tides (a few hours, when the catchment is full and the tide is at its lowest)
3) Need a large catchment for significant power generation

yes...agrees..
I see at least two basic streams of thought involved for me here:
Compare:
1] large installations that require environmentally damaging and landscape changing structures.
-Complex management systems etc.
-Small in number but High returns.
-Planned and determined relatively short term longevity.
2] Micro installations that have virtually zero medium/long-term environmental impact.
-Nominal landscape change.
-Very low management requirements.
-Inherently safe. [no potential environmental damage upon failure of structure/systems.]
-Large numbers with small volume but relatively high pressure outputs.
-Ultra long-term investment

 

[billvon]

I see at least two basic streams of thought involved for me here . . . .

The problem with any tidal install is that you have to capture huge quantities of water to generate energy due to the small head involved. That means either:

1) large machines in existing tidal flows (threat to fish, navigation etc)
2) large machines to capture energy and large cachements to store water

Also, no small device that comes into contact with the sea is an "ultra long term investment." The sea will destroy anything (ships, houses, even cliffs and promontories) given even a medium amount of time.

 

[Quantum Quack]

Also, no small device that comes into contact with the sea is an "ultra long term investment." The sea will destroy anything (ships, houses, even cliffs and promontories) given even a medium amount of time.

hmmm... tell that to the avian and marine life feeding on plastic bags and bottle tops.. [ chuckle]
I believe some plastics have a huge salt water tolerance.. [ unfortunately ]