With our supply of fossil fuels diminishing, scientists are trying to determine the best sources of energy to sustain the human population in the future. Although solar and wind power are seen as making up the main locomotive of the energy revolution, with energy consumption slowly growing worldwide, it is becoming increasingly clear that they will not be able to provide us with the demand that we need on their own. This stems from the day-night cycles and seasonal weather patterns that render these energy sources inherently intermittent.
Scientists from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology are now pointing to ocean currents as an alternative source of power comparable to fossils fuels due to their ability to remain consistent and reliable, while at the same time remaining clean and renewable.
The team proposed a new design for a submerged marine turbine that will harness the energy of the Kuroshio Current that flows along the Japanese coast. Furthermore, the design is especially effective for areas that are regularly damaged by storms and typhoons, making it ideal for use in Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.
"Our design is simple, reliable, and power-efficient", said Katsutoshi Shirasawa, first author on the study.
The turbine, which operates in the middle layer of the current 100 meters below the surface where waters are calm and steady, is made up of a float, counterweight, nacelle and three blades. The low number of components means easier maintenance, lower costs and a minimized failure rate.
After numerous experiments to test the design and configuration of the prototype turbine, the results revealed a high level of stability and a robustness in its construction, matching the efficiency reached by commercial wind turbines.
In addition to its efficiency, the design is easily scalable, making it adaptable to local conditions and needs.
Shirasawa and his team hope to create an energy farm featuring 300 of their new turbines 80 meters in diameter. With an expected output of 1 gigawatt - power equal to one nuclear reactor - the project represents a big step in the development of sustainable green energies that can help us move away from fossil fuels before they disappear in the near future.
The findings were published online in the Jan. 28 issue of Renewable Energy.
