• Ocean Systems Engineering
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.247-268
• /
• 2023

Tidal stream energy extraction remains a site-specific resource due to the "first generation" criteria requiring high-velocity tidal streams. Most studies on tidal energy and turbine blade design heavily focus on installation sites with higher velocity conditions that are non-existent in tropical countries such as the Philippines. To shorten this gap, this review paper tackles tidal turbine design considerations for low-energetic regions such as the tropics. In-depth discussions of operating principles, methods of analysis, and designs of tidal turbine blades are presented. Notable tidal stream projects around the world are also mentioned in the paper. Also, it provides a perspective on the potential of this renewable energy to produce electricity for various sites in the Philippines. Finally, the paper emphasizes the need for new tidal turbine blade designs to be viable in tropical regions, such as the Philippines.