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This business proposal derives from work by Calliban and kbd512 (with assistance from Terraformer)
It was originally created with compressed air for transportation as a possible product category. However, in October of 2025, it is expanded a bit.
The Moon provides a reliable source of non-carbon energy by pulling water around the Earth twice a day.
Calliban and kbd512 have been thinking (and talking) about compressed air powered vehicles for a while.
This topic is set up for development of a business that combines tidal energy with compressed air energy storage.
I'm tossing Trompe compression into the mix, but at this point I have no idea what it would take to set up a Trompe able to produce 500 - 800 bar.
The Earth's gravity may not be sufficient to produce those pressures, but a Trompe system might do some of the work.
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This topic remains wide open for development.
The tides are a reliable renewable energy source, on a human time scale.
They are driven by the energy invested long ago in the lunar mass in orbit around the Earth, as well as in the mass of the Earth itself.
In the context of ** this ** topic, compression of air will require design of systems that take advantage of the movement of water to lift mass above a pump on the up stroke, and then to allow that mass to descend on the compression stroke.
This topic is potentially available for discussion of use of tides to collect energy from the Earth/Moon system for other applications than just compression of air, although that is certainly a leading candidate for development.
This is certainly a venue for the patient investor, in every sense.
My understanding is that there are two tides at any point on Earth, each 1440+48.8 minute lunar "day". Of these the one between the two bodies is the greater, while the one on the opposite side of the Earth is the lesser, because it is the result of diminution of gravity rather than increase.
I would like to see rigorous mathematical treatment of this business opportunity, as well as practical engineering drawings for machinery able to harness the Moon's momentum to deliver useful services on Earth.
The forum now offers a facility for storage of images (jpg or png) that can show designs.
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Tide low to high as seen is a 2 times a day event for most of the earth with a rise of near nothing to 30 ft vertically in place along the shore line. The cadeance is very slow to get energy from but the flow of water entering a shore line stream to marsh land up stream can get a large volume in that rise with the right equipment to make power with.
Ocean wave power is also a method but with any of these comes the question of the land ownership and regulations for the equipment.
AI Overview
Tidal Power Faces a Fickle Future with Rising Seas ...
Ocean tide power, or tidal energy, is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the gravitational interaction between the Earth, Moon, and Sun to create electricity from the natural rise and fall of ocean tides. This clean energy is generated by using specialized structures like tidal barrages, which act like dams across bays, or tidal turbines, underwater propellers that convert the kinetic energy of tidal currents into electricity. While expensive to build, tidal energy offers a reliable and predictable power source with significant potential for sustainable energy systems.
How it Works
Gravitational Pull: The consistent pull of the moon, sun, and Earth's rotation creates predictable cycles of high and low tides.
Harnessing Movement: This natural water movement is captured and converted into electricity through two main methods:
Tidal Barrages: A dam-like structure is built across an estuary or bay, creating a tidal basin. During high tide, water flows into the basin, and during low tide, it's released through turbines in the barrage to generate power.
Tidal Turbines: These underwater devices, similar to wind turbines but built to withstand water's greater density, are placed in fast-flowing tidal streams. As the water moves past, it spins the turbine blades, which in turn drive a generator.
Types of Tidal Energy Systems
Tidal barrages: Use dams to create a large difference in water level, storing potential energy.
Tidal lagoons: Similar to barrages but are partly enclosed areas of the ocean, allowing water to flow in and out through turbines.
Tidal stream generators: Place turbines on the seafloor to capture the kinetic energy of strong tidal currents.
Advantages
Clean Energy: Produces minimal greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.
Predictable: Tidal patterns are consistent and predictable, providing a reliable power source.
High Power Output: Because water is much denser than air, tidal turbines can generate a high amount of electricity from a relatively small device.
Disadvantages
High Costs: Initial construction costs for tidal energy systems are substantial.
Geographic Limitations: Economically viable tidal power generation requires locations with significant tidal ranges, which are not found everywhere.
Environmental Impact: The presence of turbines or barrages can have negative effects on marine life and ecosystems
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